Power bank ban: Emirates prohibits use of portable chargers on all flights as of October 1Max CorstorphanThe NightlyWed, 1 October 2025 7:48AMCommentsComments
Emirates has introduced a blanket ban across all the airline’s flights after a “comprehensive safety review”, effective October 1.
Power bank use on Emirates flights is no longer allowed, with the airline siting the increase use of portable charges and the risk of “thermal runaway”.
“Using any kind of power bank is prohibited onboard Emirates’ flights, effective from 1 October 2025,” the airline said in a statement.
“A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such smart phones, tablets, laptops and cameras.
“Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions… but the power banks may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source.”
Passengers will be allowed to carry one power bank, as pong as it is under 1000 watts hours.
The new rules prohibit the use of power banks in anyway on flights and if a traveller is carrying one, they are not allowed to store it in the overhead compartment.
Emirates explained the new rule was due to the “dangerous consequences like fire and explosion” that come from power banks with damaged batteries or overcharged devices.
“After a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard,” the airline said.
“There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry.
“If the battery is overcharged or damaged, it may result in ‘thermal runaway.’
“Thermal runaway in batteries is a self-accelerating process where heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase.
“This can result in dangerous consequences like fire, explosions, and the release of toxic gases.”
Emirates explained that the reason power banks were banned from being stowed in the overhead compartment was so that, in case of a fire or incident, the device would be in a more accessible location.
“Storing power banks in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, trained cabin crew can quickly respond and extinguish the fire,” a statement explained.
“Safety is one of Emirates’ core values, and a cornerstone of all operations and practices. Emirates is committed to maintaining and improving levels of safety on an ongoing basis, safeguarding customers and staff at all times.”
Power bank restrictions on Australian flights
Australian airlines have strict rules when it comes to power banks and spare batteries.
“Baggage fitted with non-removable lithium batteries or power banks are forbidden,” Qantas rules state.
“If in checked baggage the lithium battery or lithium power bank must be removed from the bag. The removed lithium battery or power bank must be in carry-on baggage only.
“Non-lithium batteries/power banks can remain fitted in the bag and carried as carry-on or checked baggage.”
The Virgin Australia website says: “Spare/loose batteries (including power banks/packs must be in carry-on baggage only and must be protected against short circuit by, placing in its original retail packaging, placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch or insulating terminals by taping over exposed terminals.”
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