As vacationers settle in for those lengthy flights, it seems that little portable charger will soon encounter some turbulence. As of October 1, 2025, Emirates will no longer allow the use or charging of power banks on board during flights. This decision arises from increased worries regarding lithium-ion battery fires.
Although passengers are still allowed a single compliant power bank in their carry-on, they are advised to fully charge their devices before departure, even though there are outlets available in the seats on every plane. Following an in-depth safety assessment, this change was revealed in August, as aviation battery incidents become increasingly common, reflecting an industry-wide effort to control “thermal runaway” risks.
What Flyers Need to Know About Power Banks on Board
The Emirates’ updated guidelines are relatively simple: Power banks that are under 100 watt-hours (Wh) are permitted, just one per passenger and only in carry-on luggage, and they need to be kept in seat pockets or underneath seats to make it easy to access them. Checking them in? Absolutely not, because loose lithium batteries could explode in the cargo hold. And crucially, don’t plug them in during the flight. It is forbidden to charge devices using the power bank or recharge the power bank itself using the aircraft outlets.
What’s the reason for the airline’s choices? It’s a way to reduce risk. “Safety is still our top priority,” Emirates has noted. If the batteries are visible in the cabin, this will enable the crew to respond immediately if there are problems. To give some perspective, a typical iPhone charger has a maximum output of roughly 20-30Wh, which means most everyday models are fine. However, passengers on long flights from Dubai to Sydney (14 hours or more) may want to make sure to double-check the capacity information on the device’s label.
To assist with the change, Emirates suggests travelers make sure their devices are fully charged before getting on the plane, even for flights where every seat has AC and USB-A ports. While it isn’t a complete ban, as passengers can still use laptops and phones by plugging them into the plane, it serves as an indication to be self-sufficient, particularly for economy passengers on overnight flights.
The Rising Tide of Battery Blunders
The restriction comes from an “extensive safety review” resulting from both power banks gaining popularity and a rise in lithium-related incidents. The power for most portable devices comes from lithium-ion and lithium-polymer cells, which can experience “thermal runaway.” This chain reaction can cause heat to rise, leading to toxic fumes, smoke, or fire, particularly if they have been damaged, overcharged, or short-circuited. Many affordable power banks lack security features like trickle charging, which are included in smartphones, raising the risks on board in the enclosed, pressurized cabin.
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Aviation authorities across the globe have taken note of this trend. From 2018 to 2023, the FAA reported over 300 battery fires in the U.S., while EASA in Europe reported similar increases. Emirates is now one of a number of airlines strengthening its rules, with Air Canada and Qantas implementing similar restrictions in 2024 following reports of smoldering devices diverting planes. Emirates hopes that by prohibiting active usage of power banks on board, it can reduce the chances of accidents, and that crews will be able to put out any sparks before they turn into a fire.
Navigating the No-Charge Zone
This change could be a bit of a bother for the average Emirates passenger — which travels to over 150 destinations from its hub in Dubai — during those really long flights. Unfortunately, dead batteries mean darker screens during the in-flight movie. But hey, it is a small sacrifice for a little extra peace of mind. The airline highlights its fleet’s universal outlets as a backup option, plus the lounges at DXB offer pre-boarding charging stations for passengers.
One should take note that if you do not comply, your device could be taken away at the gate or you may be fined, although Emirates is focused more on teaching people about the new rules, not punishment. The budget traveler may want to explore airline-approved options or solar sleeves, whereas those flying business class who usually bring multiple devices may want to start re-thinking.
Emirates, Somewhat Ironically, Leads the Safer Standard for Skies
This isn’t the first time Emirates has put safety first. They have a history of conducting thorough cabin inspections and crew training. Emirates establishes a standard for rivals by formalizing the ban, probably. The expansion of battery technology continuously shapes IATA regulations. With power banks becoming increasingly commonplace—worldwide sales reached 1.5 billion in 2024—heightened monitoring is essential for air travel.
Emirates’ approach, amidst our constant digital engagement, offers a reflective lesson: Disconnecting before departure can, at times, be the most effective strategy for retaining power. Until further notice, it’s advisable to fully charge devices before flying—and to keep power banks grounded.