Heads up, everyone! Emirates it the newest airlines to ban the use of power banks on board. In early 2025, a serious safety scare occurred when a fire broke out on an Air Busan A321 before takeoff, linked to a power bank stored in an overhead bin. Though everyone evacuated safely, some were injured and the plane was destroyed, highlighting the unseen danger of lithium battery devices onboard. Similarly, Hong Kong Airlines Flight 115 had an in-flight fire in March tied to an overheated power bank in the overhead bin. Luckily, there were no injuries, but the message was clear.
Airlines tightening rules:
To reduce risks of thermal runaway, when a battery overheats uncontrollably and can cause fire, many airlines have introduced strict regulations on power banks. Here’s who’s already implementing bans or restrictions:
• Singapore Airlines and Scoot: No using or charging power banks in flight
• EVA Air and China Airlines: Carry only, no in-flight usage or charging
• Thai Airways and AirAsia: Use and charging banned mid-flight
• Air Busan: Power banks not allowed in overhead bins, must be kept on the person
• Korean Air and Asiana Airlines: No overhead storage, must stay with you, and no use during flight
• Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines: Must be stowed under the seat, no charging allowed
• Air Astana: Carry-on only, no in-flight use or charging
And now, Emirates has announced new safety rules regarding power banks onboard its flights, introducing a complete ban on their use during the flight, effective October 1, 2025.
While passengers will still be allowed to bring one power bank in their carry-on luggage, strict new conditions will apply to how they are stored and handled in the cabin.
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What is Changing?
A power bank is a portable, rechargeable battery designed to power devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. Under the new Emirates policy:
- Passengers may carry only one power bank onboard, and it must be under 100 Watt Hours (Wh).
- No charging devices from a power bank while in flight.
- No charging the power bank itself from the aircraft’s power supply.
- The power bank must display its capacity rating clearly.
- It must not be stored in the overhead bin — instead, keep it in the seat pocket or a bag under the seat in front of you.
- Power banks are still prohibited in checked luggage, as per existing regulations.
Why Emirates is Making This Change
The decision follows a comprehensive safety review and a growing number of lithium battery-related incidents in the aviation industry.
Power banks typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. Inside, lithium ions travel between two electrodes through an electrolyte during charging and discharging. If damaged, faulty, or overcharged, these batteries can experience thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction where heat builds up faster than it can be released.
This can cause:
- Fires
- Explosions
- Release of toxic gases
While many modern devices like smartphones have built-in safety systems to prevent overcharging, basic power banks often lack these protections, making them more vulnerable to overheating.
The Bigger Picture: Fire Risks in the Sky
Thermal runaway incidents on planes are rare, but when they do occur, fast response is critical. By requiring passengers to store power banks in accessible places (like under the seat), Emirates ensures cabin crew can act immediately if smoke, heat, or fire is detected.
Recent high-profile incidents in the aviation industry have involved power banks catching fire in overhead bins, making them harder to reach and extinguish quickly. This proactive rule aims to reduce those risks before they happen.
Emirates’ Commitment to Safety
Safety has always been a core value for Emirates, and these measures reflect a commitment to ongoing improvement. The airline states that protecting customers, crew, and aircraft is its highest priority — even if it means restricting convenience for the sake of safety.
What Passengers Should Do Before Flying Emirates After October 1
- Check your power bank’s capacity — it must be under 100 Wh.
- Pack only one power bank in your carry-on.
- Store it under the seat or in the seat pocket — not in the overhead bin.
- Do not use or charge it during the flight.
- Never pack it in checked luggage.
Emirates’ new rules might mean a small adjustment for frequent flyers, but in the grand scheme, it’s a move designed to keep everyone safe at 35,000 feet.
Visit: The Emirates Media Page for more information.
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