Emirates bans inflight use of power banks due to safety concerns

Passengers are still permitted to bring one power bank with a capacity under 100 watt-hours in their carry-on luggage, provided that the device's capacity rating is clearly marked. These devices must be stored either in seat pockets or under-seat bags, not in overhead lockers, allowing for faster detection and response if an incident occurs.

The primary concern stems from lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries inside these portable chargers. Emirates noted that “the ions flow through the electrolyte, travelling back and forth between two electrodes as the battery charges and discharges,” but warned about ‘thermal runaway’—a process triggered if a battery is damaged or overcharged—which can lead to uncontrollable temperature increases, fire, explosions, or toxic gas emissions.

Earlier this year, an Air Busan Airbus A321 was destroyed by fire on the ground after a power bank ignited; all passengers evacuated safely. Other airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and Virgin Australia have also reported similar incidents involving mobile devices or batteries recently.

The airline already prohibited placing such items in checked baggage before these new measures were introduced. The updated policy aims to further improve safety for both passengers and crew.