Airline Announces New Rules
Emirates has introduced a blanket ban on the in-flight use of portable power banks across all services departing from October 1.
The policy applies to every route and requires passengers to review what they carry in their hand luggage.
Incident Prompting Action
The measure follows an incident on a flight to Amsterdam in which smoke filled the cabin after a power bank ignited in an overhead locker.
Passengers on the Boeing 777 covered their mouths with scarves and blankets as smoke spread before cabin crew intervened.
Carry-On Restrictions
Under the new rules, customers may carry only one power bank onboard.
The device cannot be used to charge electronics, nor can it be recharged using the aircraft’s power outlets.
Technical Limits
Emirates has specified that any power bank brought onboard must have a capacity under 100 watt hours.
This covers most consumer models, though the airline has advised travellers to check before flying.
Portable chargers may not be used on Emirates flights anymore (Picture: Getty Images)
Storage Guidance
The devices must not be stored in overhead bins, where overheating incidents have previously occurred.
Instead, passengers must place them in the seat pocket or stow them in hand luggage under the seat in front.
Battery Safety Concerns
The airline cited an increase in lithium battery-related incidents on commercial flights as the key reason for its decision.
Experts warn that when batteries fail, they can undergo “thermal runaway,” a rapid chain reaction releasing toxic, flammable gases.
Difficult Fires to Contain
This reaction can trigger intense, self-sustaining fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish mid-air.
Most advanced devices include built-in safeguards, but many basic power banks lack this technology.
Past Emergency Evacuation
On 28 January, 176 passengers were evacuated from an aircraft in South Korea after flames engulfed the fuselage before take-off.
Authorities later concluded a power bank stored in an overhead bin was the probable cause of the fire.
Checked Luggage Prohibition
Emirates has also reminded travellers that placing lithium battery devices in checked luggage is already against international safety regulations.
Attempts to bypass the new rules by storing power banks in hold baggage could therefore lead to confiscation.
Global Airline Policies
Other major airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair, continue to permit portable chargers during flights.
However, carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways already enforce bans similar to the one announced by Emirates.
Qantas Advisory
Qantas Airways has not imposed a full prohibition but has issued guidance advising passengers against using portable charging devices in-flight.
With its new policy, Emirates now joins a growing list of international airlines tightening rules over lithium battery safety.