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In a world where travellers cling to their smartphones as tightly as their passports, one item has quietly muscled its way into the must-carry kit: the humble power bank. But from 1 October 2025, Emirates is pulling the plug literally. The Dubai-based carrier has rolled out strict new rules for customers who like to juice up on the go, declaring that power banks may come along for the ride, but they’re to remain strictly hands-off once the aircraft door closes.

The airline, which already provides in-seat charging across its fleet, insists it’s a matter of safety, not inconvenience. Passengers are still encouraged to fully charge devices before boarding, especially on long-haul sectors where scrolling, streaming and snapping can drain a battery faster than you can say “fasten seatbelt.”

What’s in, what’s out

The new guidelines are unambiguous, and as clear as the captain’s announcement at 38,000 feet:

Each customer may carry one power bank under 100 Watt Hours.
Power banks must not be used in-flight to charge devices.
Charging a power bank from the aircraft supply? Also prohibited.
Power banks must display a visible capacity rating.
They must be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat in front, not in overhead bins.
And, as always, they’re banned from checked luggage.

So yes, you can bring your trusty battery pack, but it will sit quietly beside you more like an obedient pet than a power source.

Why the crackdown?

The short answer: safety. The long answer: lithium.

Power banks rely on lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells, the same chemical culprits that power our phones, laptops, cameras and occasionally make headlines for the wrong reasons. When overcharged or damaged, these batteries risk entering what engineers politely call “thermal runaway.” For the rest of us, that translates to fire, smoke, explosions, and the sort of emergency diversion no one wants mid-ocean.

While many modern devices boast built-in trickle systems to prevent overcharging, plenty of low-end power banks don’t. Emirates’ new rules are designed to close this loophole before it sparks trouble.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do,” Emirates said. “This change follows a comprehensive safety review and is part of our commitment to safeguarding passengers and crew.”

A wider aviation issue

Emirates isn’t alone in its caution. Lithium battery incidents have become a hot topic in aviation circles worldwide. Cabin crew are well-drilled in extinguishing small in-flight fires, but prevention, as the saying goes, is better than a smoke-filled cabin.

By keeping power banks accessible in the seat pocket or under the seat, the airline ensures crew can act quickly if things heat up. It’s a sensible move when minutes, even seconds, can matter.

For Emirates, it’s also about protecting the reputation of an airline that has built its brand on world-class service and uncompromising safety. With more than 260 aircraft serving over 150 destinations, the carrier can ill-afford lithium-induced dramas.

What this means for travellers

For many, this will mean re-thinking travel habits. Instead of reaching for that power bank at the first sign of a low-battery warning, passengers will now rely on Emirates’ charging ports. Those in Economy can expect USB charging points, while Business and First enjoy universal sockets capable of handling laptops and larger devices.

The message is simple: if you’re flying Emirates, charge before you board and plug into the aircraft if you need to top up. Power banks are merely along for the ride, like a backup plan you’ll never use.

Final word

Emirates has taken a bold but logical step, recognising that as personal tech grows ever more powerful, so does the responsibility to keep it safe at altitude. For an airline that prides itself on being ahead of the curve, this latest move is a reminder that sometimes the best innovation is knowing when to say no.

For more details on the airline’s dangerous goods policy, visit Emirates Dangerous Goods Policy.