Starting October 1, 2025, Emirates will implement new restrictions for passengers carrying portable batteries, commonly known as power banks, on its flights. While passengers will still be allowed to bring one power bank with a capacity of less than 100 Wh, their use in the cabin will be completely prohibited — including charging other devices or charging the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power supply.
The new rules also require that power banks be kept either in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat, with storage in the overhead compartment prohibited. As before, power banks are not allowed in checked baggage, and all accepted devices must have their capacity clearly marked.
The decision follows a safety assessment which concluded that the increasing use of power banks raises the risk of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries onboard aircraft. If such batteries overheat or become damaged, they can enter a process known as “thermal runaway” — a chain reaction where heat rapidly and uncontrollably increases, potentially leading to fire, explosion, or the release of toxic gases. While modern smartphones and advanced devices are equipped with systems to prevent overcharging, cheaper and simpler power banks often lack such protection, which increases the risk.
Emirates emphasizes that the new regulations will reduce the likelihood of accidents, while the requirement to keep devices within easy reach will enable crew members to respond quickly in the event of a fire. Safety, the airline says, remains the foundation of all its operations.
Restrictions on portable batteries are not new in aviation — in recent years, more and more airlines have introduced similar measures following incidents that occurred during flights. Recorded cases include fires that are difficult to extinguish and produce heavy smoke, and in some situations, aircraft have had to make precautionary emergency landings. Such experiences have prompted the industry to tighten rules further and minimize risks.
