Emirates Airlines says passengers will no longer be allowed
to use power banks onboard its flights as part of new safety regulations coming
into effect on October 1.
A power bank is a portable, rechargeable device primarily
designed to provide power to other electronic devices such as smartphones,
tablets, laptops and cameras.
In a statement on Friday, the Dubai-based carrier said the
decision follows a comprehensive safety review.
The airline said the regulation is aimed at reducing the
growing risks associated with lithium battery-related incidents onboard
aircraft.
“Emirates customers are still permitted to carry one power
bank onboard with specific conditions listed below, but the power banks may not
be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power
bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircrafts’ power source,” Emirates
said.
The airline highlighted the new regulations to include
“customers may carry one power bank that is under 100 Watt Hours”.
“Power banks may not be used to charge any personal devices
onboard. Charging a power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is not
permitted,” the carrier said.
“All power banks accepted for transport must have capacity
rating information available.
“Power banks may not be placed in the overhead stowage bin
onboard the aircraft and must now be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag
under the seat in front of you.
“Power banks are not permitted in checked luggage (existing
rule).”
Emirates cited the increasing number of fire-related
incidents linked to lithium batteries across the aviation industry as the main
reason for the updated regulations.
“Power banks primarily utilize lithium-ion or
lithium-polymer batteries… In the event of overcharging or damage, they may
experience thermal runaway — a dangerous chain reaction that can lead to fires,
explosions, or toxic gas release,” the airline added.
While modern smartphones have internal mechanisms to prevent
battery overcharge, Emirates said many basic power banks lack such safeguards,
heightening the risk of overheating or ignition.
By banning usage and requiring cabin-accessible storage,
Emirates said it aims to ensure cabin crew can quickly respond to emergencies
involving power banks.
“Safety is one of Emirates’ core values and a cornerstone of
all operations and practices,” the airline added.
Emirates said it is committed to maintaining and improving
levels of safety on an ongoing basis, safeguarding customers and staff at all
times.
On October 2024, Emirates resumed flight operations to Nigeria.
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