Emirates has introduced stricter regulations for passengers carrying power banks, citing safety concerns. The new rules, which came into effect recently, aim to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires on flights.
What’s Changed?
The Dubai-based airline now requires all power banks to be carried in hand luggage only, with a strict limit on capacity. Devices exceeding 27,000mAh (100Wh) are completely banned from both checked and carry-on baggage.
Key Restrictions:
- Maximum capacity: 27,000mAh (100Wh) per power bank
- Maximum two power banks per passenger
- Must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Power banks must be individually protected to prevent short circuits
Why the Change?
The move follows increasing industry concerns about lithium-ion battery safety. "These batteries can pose a significant fire risk if damaged or defective," explained an Emirates spokesperson. "By restricting them to cabin baggage, our crew can respond immediately if any issues arise."
What This Means for Travellers
Passengers should:
- Check their power bank capacity before packing
- Ensure devices are properly protected (original packaging is ideal)
- Pack them in easily accessible parts of hand luggage for security checks
The airline advises allowing extra time for security screening as power banks may need separate inspection.
