From October 1, using any kind of power bank will be prohibited onboard Emirates’ flights.
Customers are still permitted to carry one power bank onboard with specific conditions, but they may not be used while in the aircraft cabin – neither to charge devices from the power bank, nor to be charged themselves using the aircraft’s power source.
The airline says it is making the change in response to an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry.
Power banks primarily utilise lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which if overcharged or damaged may result in what’s called a ‘thermal runaway.’
This 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.
Most phones and sophisticated lithium battery-powered devices have an internal trickle system which slowly adds current into the battery to prevent overcharging, but many basic power banks may not have this safeguard, increasing the risk.
Emirates’ new regulations 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.
# 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).
