Emirates Airlines will prohibit the use of power banks on all its flights starting October 1, citing serious safety concerns over the devices’ potential to overheat, emit toxic smoke, or even explode mid-air.
The airline said passengers may still bring one power bank onboard under strict conditions — but it cannot be used to charge devices or be recharged using the aircraft’s power supply.
“Power banks indeed pose a significant fire hazard because they contain lithium-ion batteries, which have a high energy density,” Dana Kamal, Director for International Business Development, MENA at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) said in a Khaleej Times report. “When exposed to physical or thermal stress, they can overheat, catch fire or even explode. In the confined and controlled environment of an aircraft… these devices can pose a significant fire safety risk.”
David C., General Manager at Emirates Safety Laboratory, noted that overheating can be caused by poor ventilation, direct sunlight, overcharging, or damage to the battery. Such incidents can trigger “thermal runaway” — a chain reaction that may lead to explosions, toxic fumes, and flames exceeding 1,000°C.
A Reuters report earlier this year revealed that the US Federal Aviation Administration recorded an average of three overheating lithium battery incidents on planes every two weeks in 2024 — a sharp increase from less than one a week in 2018.
Experts also warned against low-quality power banks, which may lack proper safety mechanisms. Passengers are urged to choose certified products, inspect devices for damage, and be alert to warning signs such as unusual smells or excessive heat.
The move follows similar restrictions by other global carriers, including measures to keep power banks out of overhead bins after incidents involving in-flight fires.
