Emirates Bans Power Bank Usage Onboard, Starting October 1: What Travelers Must Know

Starting October 1, 2025, Emirates Airlines will enforce a new rule banning the use of power banks onboard. This decision comes as part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to passenger safety and to reduce risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

🔋 Why Emirates Is Taking This Step

Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers of power banks during flights:

January 2025: Fire on an Air Busan Airbus A321, suspected to be caused by a power bank, injuring 27 passengers.
August 2025: Fire on a KLM flight caused by a phone charger, filling the cabin with smoke.

Lithium-ion batteries, common in power banks and portable chargers, can overheat and cause fires through thermal runaway. By restricting their use onboard, Emirates aims to prevent potential disasters in the cabin.

📋 Emirates’ New Power Bank Policy

Passengers may still carry a power bank, but only under strict conditions:

Capacity Limit: Must be under 100 watt-hours (Wh).
Storage: Stored in a cabin-accessible location, such as a seat pocket or under the seat in front.
Usage Restrictions: Cannot be used to charge devices during the flight.

How to Check Your Power Bank Capacity

Look for the Wh rating on the device label.
If only mAh is shown, convert using: Wh = (mAh × V) ÷ 1000

🚫 How This Affects Travelers

If you’re flying with Emirates:

Check Your Power Bank: Ensure it’s under 100Wh and labeled.
Storage During Flight: Keep it switched off and properly stored.
Plan Charging Ahead: Charge your devices before boarding and after landing.

Following these rules ensures a safe and smooth flight for all passengers.