Flydubai and Emirates Update Safety Rules on Power Banks from October 1

If you’re flying out of Dubai anytime soon, there’s a new rule you should know about. Both Flydubai and Emirates have updated their guidelines for carrying power banks on board, and these changes officially took effect on October 1.

What’s Changing for Flydubai Passengers

Flydubai now allows passengers to carry only one power bank in their hand luggage, but it must meet a few conditions:

• The capacity must be 100 watt-hours (Wh) or less, and this rating should be clearly labelled on the device.
• Power banks with more than 100Wh are not allowed on any Flydubai flight.
• You can’t use your power bank to charge devices during the flight, nor can you charge the power bank itself using the aircraft’s sockets.

Flydubai also asks passengers to store their power banks under the seat (not in overhead lockers) and switch them off during the flight. For extra safety, travellers should keep them in the original packaging or a protective case to prevent short circuits or accidental activation.

These restrictions also apply to other lithium-powered devices like laptops, rechargeable batteries, e-cigarettes, and cameras.

Emirates Has Similar Restrictions

Emirates announced almost similar rules earlier this year, which also came into force on October 1. The airline now allows passengers to carry only one power bank under 100Wh in their cabin bag.

Here’s what Emirates says:

• Power banks cannot be used to charge personal devices onboard.
• You can’t charge a power bank using the aircraft’s power outlet.
• The device must be placed under the seat or in the seat pocket, not in the overhead bin.
• Power banks are strictly prohibited in checked luggage.

Why Airlines Are Doing This

Both airlines say the updated rules are about passenger safety. The rapid rise in lithium battery usage has led to an increase in battery-related incidents on aircraft, making it important for airlines to tighten safety protocols.

Airlines That Have Restricted Power Bank Use Onboard

Emirates and Flydubai aren’t the only airlines limiting power bank use during flights. Due to safety concerns over lithium batteries, several carriers around the world have introduced rules restricting passengers from using or carrying high-capacity power banks in the cabin.

Here’s a complete list of airlines that have imposed such restrictions;

1. Air Asia
2. Air Busan
3. China Airlines
4. Emirates
5. EVA Air
6. Firefly
7. Flydubai
8. MASwings
9. Singapore Airlines
10. Scoot
11. Starlux Airlines
12. Thai Airways
13. Tigerair
14. Vietjet Air
15. Vietnam Airlines
16. Malaysia Airlines

The Bottom Line

If you’re flying with Flydubai or Emirates, keep your power bank small (under 100Wh), label visible, and packed safely in your hand luggage. Don’t plan to use it mid-flight. It’s a small inconvenience for a much safer journey.