JOHANNESBURG - Several international airlines are cracking down on the use of power banks and portable chargers due to safety concerns.
This follows multiple incidents, including a recent flight from São Paulo to Amsterdam that had to make an emergency landing after a power bank overheated and filled the cabin with smoke.
Emirates will prohibit the use of portable chargers in the aircraft cabin from 1 October 2025.
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The airline also warned passengers not to charge devices from power banks or to charge power banks using the aircraft’s power source.
Despite strict rules on power banks, the airline made exceptions.
Customers may carry one power bank that is under 100Watts.
However, these power banks cannot be stored in the overhead storage bin onboard the aircraft and must be placed in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
The airlines cited the move for strict regulations as a need for a 'firm' and 'proactive stance' to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard.
Weighing in on this, Corporate Traveller's Michelle Compton says power banks have always been a risk, which is why they are being regulated to be in carry-on bags rather than checked luggage.
"This is for you to be able to keep an eye on it should anything go wrong. It could be that the air cabin pressure and the friction that happens between luggage whilst in transit is a risk," she says.
Watch the video above for the full interview.