DUBAI — As global aviation authorities intensify efforts to enhance onboard safety, airlines worldwide are moving to ban the use and charging of power banks during flights, citing fire risks linked to lithium-ion battery malfunctions.
This policy shift comes amid heightened concerns over thermal runaway events — a chain reaction in lithium-ion batteries that can lead to overheating, fires, or even explosions. While incidents remain rare, the potential threat in a sealed cabin environment is serious, prompting industry-wide caution.
“Even a single fire event at 35,000 feet can compromise cabin safety. Prevention is key,” said a civil aviation expert familiar with IATA's latest updates.
Recent Incidents Prompting Stricter Measures
The most recent and high-profile case occurred on January 28, 2025, when an Air Busan Airbus A321 experienced a cabin fire at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea. An investigation released on March 14 linked the blaze to a faulty power bank carried onboard.
In another instance, passenger video footage went viral showing a Royal Air Philippines cabin engulfed in smoke, triggered by a power bank explosion mid-flight. Though the crew managed to extinguish the fire quickly, such close calls have made aviation regulators rethink policy.
What’s Behind the Risk?
Power banks use lithium-ion batteries, known for their high energy density but also for their sensitivity to impact, overheating, or internal defects. In extreme cases, a damaged or low-quality unit can enter thermal runaway, producing intense heat and igniting surrounding materials — a dangerous scenario in a pressurised aircraft cabin.
These devices, once considered harmless travel essentials, are now under strict scrutiny.
What the New Rules Say
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has updated its safety guidelines, prompting carriers worldwide — including those in the Gulf — to restrict or completely ban in-flight use and charging of power banks.
In the UAE, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued updated guidelines for all UAE-based airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and Air Arabia:
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Power banks are allowed in carry-on baggage only
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They are strictly prohibited in checked luggage
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Each unit must be protected against short-circuiting (e.g., with insulated terminals or original packaging)
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Charging or using the devices onboard may be prohibited on certain flights
Passengers are advised to check with individual airlines before traveling, as regulations may vary depending on destination and airline-specific risk assessments.
What Travellers Should Do
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Do not pack power banks in checked-in baggage
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Carry them in hand luggage, preferably turned off
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Avoid using or charging them mid-flight unless explicitly permitted
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Use only high-quality, certified devices
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Inspect power banks for damage before travel
Looking Ahead: A Shift in Travel Norms
While power banks have become essential for modern travel, aviation experts stress that safety must take precedence over convenience. As more airlines adopt zero-tolerance policies on in-flight charging, travellers must adapt to new norms and plan accordingly.
“Technology evolves, but so do safety standards. These regulations are about risk mitigation—not restriction,” noted a GCAA spokesperson.
In an era of increasingly crowded skies and connected passengers, ensuring a safe, fire-free cabin environment remains the industry’s top priority.
