Emirates is making changes to its onboard safety rules after an increasing number of incidents involving lithium battery devices. This change is specifically targeted towards the use of power banks onboard.
Emirates Bans Power Banks as of October 1, 2025
According to the carrier, using any kind of power bank will be prohibited on all Emirates flights as of October 1, 2025. Emirates defines power banks as a portable, rechargeable device primarily designed to provide power to other electronic devices such smart phones, tablets, laptops and cameras.
Specifically, the safety rules changes are as follows:
- Emirates customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours.
- Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices onboard.
- Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not permitted.
- All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available.
- Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
- Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing rule).
Emirates further states that, while most phones and sophisticated lithium battery-powered devices have an internal trickle system which slowly adds current into the battery to prevent overcharging, many basic power banks do not have this safeguard. Regardless of the specifications of any particular power bank, all power banks are subject to the new rules onboard Emirates.
Fortunately for passengers, Emirates has no shortage of charging ports available onboard. On a recent flight with the carrier, I had ample space to keep all of my devices charged, regardless of what type of cable I was using.
Summary
As of October 1, 2025, Emirates will no longer permit the use of power banks onboard its aircraft. Passengers are still allowed to bring one onboard but, it must be stowed in the seatback pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you. This is due to a recent uptick in incidents involving lithium batteries.