Emirates has announced a major change to its onboard safety rules, banning the use of all types of power banks on flights effective October 1, 2025.

The airline reaffirmed on Tuesday that while passengers will still be allowed to carry a single power bank under 100Wh capacity, the devices cannot be used to charge phones or tablets in flight, Gulf News reported.

They also cannot be recharged using the aircraft’s power supply.

According to the updated guidelines, all power banks must clearly display their capacity rating, be stored in a seat pocket or under the seat, and remain prohibited in checked baggage. Overhead bin storage is also disallowed.

Emirates said the decision follows a comprehensive safety review highlighting the risks posed by lithium battery incidents in aviation.

Power banks, which typically use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells, can overheat or even catch fire in cases of damage or overcharging — a phenomenon known as thermal runaway.

The airline stressed that passenger safety remains its “top operational priority,” adding that banning in-flight use of power banks ensures cabin crew can respond swiftly in case of any emergency.

Emirates noted that all of its aircraft already offer in-seat charging ports but still recommended passengers fully charge their devices before boarding, particularly on long-haul journeys.