Emirates, one of the world’s leading international airlines, has announced a significant update to its cabin safety regulations. Effective October 1, 2025, passengers on all Emirates flights will be prohibited from using or recharging battery packs and power banks during flight. This policy change comes amid growing global concerns about the risks posed by lithium-ion battery-powered devices in aviation settings. While travelers may continue to carry battery packs and power banks in their hand luggage as required by aviation security, actual use or charging of these devices will not be permitted from takeoff to landing.

Background: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Concerns

Over the last decade, the rapid rise of personal electronic devices—smartphones, laptops, tablets, and power banks—has changed the inflight experience for travelers and airlines alike. However, incidents involving lithium-ion battery failures, leading to smoke, fire, or explosions, have prompted aviation authorities and airlines to tighten regulations.

• International Air Transport Association (IATA) has classified lithium batteries as “dangerous goods” due to the risk they pose when damaged or exposed to overheating.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) statistics show more than 400 incidents involving smoke, fire, or extreme heat from lithium battery-powered devices on aircraft between 2006 and 2024.
• Incidents: Several airlines have reported inflight smoke or fire emergencies linked to mishandled or malfunctioning power banks or device batteries in recent years.

These concerns have led regulatory bodies to recommend further preventive measures. Emirates’ policy aligns closely with guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which stress risk mitigation relating to lithium battery carriage and use.

Details of Emirates’ New Policy

According to Emirates, the new rules specify:

• Passengers may carry battery packs and power banks onboard in hand luggage (carry-on) but must not use or recharge them while in flight.
• Battery packs and power banks must remain switched off and safely stored throughout the journey.
• Any attempt to use these devices during a flight may result in confiscation, additional safety protocols, and possible passenger penalties.

This measure complements existing regulations which already prohibit the carriage of spare batteries, power banks, and lithium-powered devices in checked baggage. The inflight use ban further ensures safety during all phases of flight, especially after reports of battery-related overheating incidents midair.

Airline Industry Trends: Whose Rules Are Changing?

Emirates’ move follows a global trend towards stricter regulations on battery-powered devices. In 2024 and 2025, several airlines in Asia, Europe, and North America have updated inflight safety policies:

• Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways have published new or revised guidelines regarding the inflight use and charging of personal batteries and power banks.
• Many U.S. carriers, such as United and Delta, have implemented similar bans after high-profile cabin incidents.
• Regulatory advisories from the FAA, EASA, and other governing bodies urge airlines to conduct strict staff training and passenger communication regarding battery-powered risks.

While specific rules vary, the general trend is a more cautious approach to personal battery use at 35,000 feet.

Implications for Travelers: What Passengers Should Know

For Emirates passengers—particularly business travelers relying on continuous inflight power for devices—this change means adjusting how and when they charge their phones, tablets, and laptops:

• Plan ahead by fully charging all essential electronic devices before boarding an Emirates flight.
• Utilize Emirates’ built-in USB and power outlets available in most cabins for device charging, where permitted and safe.
• Store personal power banks in an easily accessible but secure location in your hand luggage, switched off, and not in use throughout the flight.
• Review connecting carriers’ policies—some partner airlines may have even stricter rules, or instead, may allow inflight power bank use in certain classes.

Emirates has committed to targeted passenger education via check-in counters, boarding gates, and digital platforms, ensuring travelers are well-informed before their journey.

Emirates’ Official Statement and Safety Record

In an official statement, Emirates noted, “The decision to prohibit the use and recharging of portable battery packs and power banks inflight reflects our ongoing commitment to passenger and crew safety and aligns with evolving aviation regulations worldwide.” The airline, which carries over 50 million passengers annually, is recognized for its high safety standards and was ranked among the world’s safest airlines in 2023 by AirlineRatings.com.

Emirates continues to invest in advanced cabin safety systems, extensive crew training, and modern aircraft technologies, ensuring that all security measures are regularly reviewed and updated.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Inflight Device Policies

With the adoption of this new rule, Emirates sets an industry standard for risk prevention related to lithium battery devices. Experts anticipate that more carriers will follow suit, particularly as device usage and personal electronics continue to proliferate.

Travelers can expect continued innovation in onboard charging infrastructure, further transparency in airline safety rules, and industry-wide collaboration on passenger safety in the digital era.

For more information, Emirates passengers and international travelers should check the official Emirates website and consult relevant governmental aviation advisories before departure.