Passengers travelling with Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai or Air Arabia are being urged to check their power bank before heading to the airport, as UAE airlines enforce strict restrictions on carrying and using portable chargers onboard.
The safety risk was highlighted again on July 24, when a power bank reportedly caught fire inside a passenger’s carry-on bag on China Eastern Airlines Flight MU2421. The Airbus A320 had landed at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport and was taxiing towards the terminal when flames and smoke appeared from an overhead baggage compartment.
Cabin crew brought the fire under control, and no injuries were reported. The incident has renewed attention on why airlines require portable chargers to be kept within easy reach rather than stored in checked luggage or overhead compartments.
Why do power banks pose a safety risk?
Power banks generally contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. A damaged, defective or overheated battery can experience “thermal runaway”, a rapid rise in temperature that may cause fire, an explosion or the release of toxic gases.
Airlines require power banks to remain in the passenger cabin so trained crew members can quickly identify and respond to overheating, smoke or fire. Emirates said accessible storage also reduces the time needed to reach the device during an emergency.
UAE airline power bank rules at a glance
| Airline | Maximum capacity | Maximum allowed | Use onboard | Checked baggage | Required storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Under 100Wh | One | Prohibited | Prohibited | Seat pocket or bag under the seat |
| Etihad Airways | 100Wh or less | One | Prohibited | Prohibited | Seat pocket, under-seat bag or seat storage |
| flydubai | 100Wh or less | One | Prohibited | Prohibited | Seat pocket or hand baggage under the seat |
| Air Arabia | 100Wh or less | Two | Prohibited | Prohibited | Seat pocket or bag under the seat |
Emirates allows one power bank
Emirates introduced enhanced power bank restrictions on October 1, 2025, following a safety review prompted by an increase in lithium battery-related incidents across the aviation industry.
Passengers may carry one power bank with a capacity below 100Wh. Its capacity rating must be clearly visible on the device.
Travellers are not permitted to use the power bank to charge a phone, tablet, laptop or other electronic device during the flight. They also cannot recharge the power bank using the aircraft’s USB ports or power sockets.
The device must be placed in the seat pocket or inside a bag stored beneath the seat in front of the passenger. It cannot be kept in an overhead locker or packed in checked luggage.
Etihad requires power banks to remain accessible
Etihad Airways permits each passenger to carry one power bank rated at 100Wh or less. The capacity must be clearly marked, printed or embossed on the device.
Using a power bank onboard is prohibited, whether to charge another electronic device or to recharge the portable charger through the aircraft’s power supply. The power bank must also be switched off and protected against short circuits and accidental activation.
Economy Class passengers are advised to keep it in a seat pocket or inside a cabin bag placed under the seat. First and Business Class passengers can use the storage compartment provided at their seat.
Etihad advises against placing power banks in overhead lockers because they may not be quickly accessible during an emergency.
flydubai limits passengers to one power bank
flydubai allows one power bank per passenger, provided its rating does not exceed 100Wh and is clearly displayed on the device.
The power bank must remain switched off and protected from accidental activation and short circuits. The airline recommends keeping it in its original packaging, a protective case or a suitable pouch.
Passengers cannot use the power bank during the flight or recharge it using the aircraft’s electrical supply. It must be stored in a seat pocket or inside hand baggage placed under the seat.
Power banks are not allowed in overhead lockers or checked baggage, while devices exceeding 100Wh are prohibited onboard.
Air Arabia permits up to two power banks
Air Arabia classifies portable chargers as spare lithium batteries and allows passengers to carry up to two power banks, each with a maximum capacity of 100Wh.
The devices must be carried in cabin baggage and individually protected to prevent short circuits. They cannot be placed in checked luggage or stored in an overhead compartment.
Passengers must keep power banks switched off throughout the flight and store them in a seat pocket or a bag that fits beneath the seat in front.
Using a power bank to charge an electronic device is prohibited, as is connecting it to the aircraft’s onboard power supply.
What travellers should do before flying
Passengers should check the watt-hour rating printed on their power bank before travelling. Devices without a visible capacity label may not be accepted by some airlines.
Power banks should be switched off, protected against damage and packed where they can be reached quickly. They must never be placed in checked baggage.
Although individual airline policies contain some differences, the main rules are consistent across UAE carriers: keep portable chargers in the cabin, avoid overhead storage, do not use or recharge them during the flight, and remain within the airline’s capacity and quantity limits.
