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Power banks cannot be used on Emirates flights from October 1

Dubai airline sets new rules for carrying power banks onboard flights

Last updated: August 08, 2025 | 09:28

Manoj Nair, Business Editor

2 MIN READ

Emirates has listed conditions for carrying power banks onboard flights - but it's a strict 'no' using them.

Supplied

Dubai: Power banks cannot be used on Emirates flights from October 1, the Dubai airline has confirmed.

"Emirates travellers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions," the airline said in a statement.

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Why are using power banks onboard flights a risk?

The batteries contain lithium ions suspended in an electrolyte solution.

The ions flow through the electrolyte, travelling back and forth between two electrodes as the battery charges and discharges.

"If the battery is overcharged or damaged, it may result in ‘thermal runaway’," according to Emirates.

"Thermal runaway in batteries is a self-accelerating process where heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase.

"This can result in dangerous consequences like fire, explosions, and the release of toxic gases."

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Manoj NairBusiness Editor

Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.