Powerbanks on board, companies increasingly careful: Emirates bans use and restricts boarding them

In recent months the Security issue related to power banks on board Has become warmer and warmer, Compounded by an increase in accidents due to lithium-ion batteries. China, already at the beginning of the year, had led the way by introducing an almost total ban on most models commercially, imposing strict rules on both maximum capacity and required certifications.

Airlines, on the other hand, have so far proceeded in no particular order: some have strengthened pre-boarding checks, others have merely reminded IATA rules on maximum allowable watt-hours. Now, however, Emirates is also joining the restriction front with a radical change.

From October 1, 2025, the company will not only limit itself to one power bank under 100 Wh per passenger, but most importantly Will prohibit any use in flight: no charging of phones, tablets, or laptops from one's battery pack, and no ability to plug the power bank into the plane's outlets to recharge it.

The measure stems from an internal risk analysis, which confirms that the growth in the use of these devices has led to an increase in incidents and reports in the industry. In particular, the danger is related to the phenomenon of thermal runaway, uncontrolled overheating of lithium cells that can result in fires or explosions.

To reduce risk, Emirates is also imposing new stowage arrangements: the power bank will not be able to be stowed in the overhead compartments, but only in the seat pocket or under the one in front, so that it is always accessible to the crew in case of emergency. However, the prohibition against placing them in checked baggage remains unchanged.

This move, which follows a global trend of increased caution toward lithium batteries, marks an important step toward more uniform rules, but also opens the way for possible new bans by other companies.