DUBAI- UAE’s flag carrier Emirates Airline (EK) will prohibit the use of all power banks onboard its flights from 1 October 2025. Passengers may still carry one power bank under specific conditions, but charging devices with it or charging the power bank itself during the flight will not be allowed.
The ban applies across the Emirates network from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and includes strict rules on storage, capacity limits, and safety compliance. This move follows industry-wide concerns over lithium battery safety incidents linked to power banks.
Photo: EmiratesEmirates Bans Power Bank Use
From 1 October 2025, Emirates will enforce the following rules for passengers carrying power banks:
- Only one power bank under 100 watt-hours is permitted per passenger.
- The capacity rating must be clearly marked on the device.
- Power banks cannot be used to charge devices in flight.
- Charging the power bank from the aircraft’s power source is prohibited.
- Must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat, not in overhead bins.
- Not allowed in checked baggage (existing rule).
The policy aims to reduce fire risks associated with lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, which can overheat or catch fire through a process called thermal runaway.
| Carry a power bank | Yes | Only one per passenger; must be under 100Wh; capacity rating must be visible |
| Use power bank to charge devices | No | Charging any device from the power bank onboard is prohibited |
| Charge power bank onboard | No | Cannot be connected to aircraft power supply |
| Storage location onboard | Yes | Must be in seat pocket or under the seat; not in overhead bins |
| Place in checked baggage | No | Power banks are cabin baggage only |
| Battery capacity limit | Yes | Max 100Wh for lithium-ion; follows IATA Dangerous Goods limits |
| Multiple power banks | No | Only one per passenger is allowed |
| Damaged or unmarked power banks | No | Must be in good condition with visible capacity information |
Photo- VegerWhy Emirates Introduced the Ban
Emirates’ safety review identified a sharp rise in the use of power banks and an increase in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation sector.
Thermal runaway occurs when the heat generated inside a battery exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, potentially causing fires, explosions, or the release of toxic gases.
While many electronic devices have safeguards to prevent overcharging, basic power banks may lack these protections. Prohibiting their use in-flight reduces the likelihood of overheating. Storing them in accessible locations allows cabin crew to quickly respond in the event of an emergency.
Photo: EmiratesLithium Battery Safety in Aviation
Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries power most portable electronics. They are light, efficient, and rechargeable, but carry inherent fire risks if damaged, improperly charged, or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Airlines, regulators, and manufacturers follow IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations to manage these risks.
For Emirates, passenger safety remains central to operational decisions, and this ban reflects a proactive approach to preventing onboard incidents.
Additional Dangerous Goods Restrictions
Alongside the power bank policy, Emirates enforces strict rules on transporting dangerous goods, including:
- No lithium battery-powered hoverboards or rideable devices.
- Controlled limits on spare batteries, e-cigarettes, and smart baggage.
- Restrictions on aerosols, flammable liquids, and sharp tools.
- Zero tolerance for banned substances in the UAE.
Passengers are encouraged to review Emirates’ full dangerous goods list and UAE customs guidelines before travel.
Etihad A380 First-Class; Photo- EtihadPower Bank Policies Across UAE Carriers
Etihad Airways (EY)
Etihad permits passengers to carry power banks in hand luggage, purses, or pockets. A maximum of 10 loose or spare batteries, including power banks, is allowed per person. Lithium-ion batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours, and lithium-metal batteries must not exceed 2 grams of lithium content.
The use of power banks onboard is strictly prohibited, including charging the power bank or using it to charge other devices during the flight.
Photo- EmiratesFlyDubai (FZ)
FlyDubai allows batteries under 160Wh. For those up to 100Wh or 2 grams of lithium (such as in phones, laptops, and cameras), passengers may carry up to 15 devices per person, spread between hand and checked baggage if the battery is installed in equipment.
Power banks or spare batteries must be carried in hand luggage only, protected against short-circuit and damage. Charging or using power banks during the flight is not permitted.
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Air Arabia Maroc, CN-NMO, Airbus A320-214, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=87491709Air Arabia (G9)
Air Arabia allows devices with power banks up to 100Wh in cabin baggage. Devices must be kept switched off during the flight.
Charging devices from the power bank or charging the power bank itself onboard is not allowed. Power banks must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, not in overhead bins.
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The post Emirates Airline Bans Power Bank Use Onboard from October 2025 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
