Emirates Airlines has announced a ban on all types of portable charging units (Power Banks) on its flights, effective from October 1, 2025. A “portable charging unit” refers to a rechargeable device used to power other electronic gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras.
Under specific conditions outlined below, customers are permitted to carry only one charging unit on board, although using it in the aircraft cabin—whether to charge devices or to recharge the unit using the aircraft’s power sources—is prohibited.
The new regulations from Emirates Airlines include the following:
· Customers may carry only one charging unit with a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours.
· Portable charging units cannot be used to charge personal devices onboard.
· Connecting charging units to power sources inside the aircraft for recharging is forbidden.
· Each permitted charging unit must clearly display its power capacity.
· Portable charging units are not to be placed in overhead compartments but should be stored in the seat pocket or in a bag under the front seat.
· Portable charging units are not allowed in checked luggage based on current procedures.
Why is Emirates Airlines making these changes
After a thorough safety review, Emirates Airlines is taking a proactive stance to mitigate risks associated with portable charging units on flights. There has been a significant increase in the use of these devices by travelers in recent years, resulting in a rise in incidents involving lithium batteries in the aviation sector as a whole.
Portable charging units typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which are rechargeable batteries designed to provide power on the go. These batteries contain lithium ions suspended in an electrolyte solution, which move back and forth between electrodes during the charging and discharging process. If a battery is overcharged or damaged, it may lead to a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway,” a self-accelerating reaction that causes a sudden rise in temperature, potentially resulting in fires, explosions, or the release of toxic gases.
While most smartphones and advanced devices equipped with lithium batteries have internal protective systems to prevent overcharging, many lower-quality portable charging units lack this feature, increasing the risk. All portable charging units will be subject to the new regulations on Emirates flights.
The new rules implemented by Emirates Airlines aim to significantly reduce these risks by prohibiting the use of portable charging units while onboard. Furthermore, requiring these units to be stored in easily accessible locations within the cabin allows crew members to respond quickly and manage any potential fire emergencies.
Safety is a fundamental value for Emirates Airlines and a core component of all its operations and practices. The airline reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of safety and continuously enhancing them to ensure the well-being of passengers and staff at all times.