Regulations & Safety
Emirates Bans Power Bank Use on Flights to Enhance Safety
Emirates enforces strict power bank restrictions from October 2025 to reduce lithium battery fire risks amid rising aviation incidents.
Emirates Implements Comprehensive Power Bank Restrictions: Industry Response to Rising Lithium Battery Fire Incidents
The aviation industry is facing a new set of challenges as incidents involving lithium battery fires have surged, prompting airlines to rethink safety protocols for passenger electronics. Emirates, one of the world’s largest and most profitable airlines, has responded by introducing the strictest power bank policy to date, effective October 1, 2025. This move comes amid a dramatic rise in lithium battery-related incidents, including a high-profile aircraft destruction in South Korea earlier this year. The new Emirates policy, which bans all use of power banks during flight, is poised to set a new standard for airline safety and may signal broader changes across the sector.
The significance of this development extends beyond operational adjustments for a single airline. With lithium-ion batteries now ubiquitous in personal devices, the risks associated with their use at altitude have become a focal point for regulators and industry leaders. Emirates’ decision reflects both a response to recent catastrophic events and a proactive stance on passenger safety, likely influencing regulatory and competitive dynamics in the global aviation market.
This article examines the context, details, and implications of Emirates’ new power bank policy, exploring the technical, regulatory, and economic dimensions of lithium battery safety in modern air travel.
The Escalating Crisis of Lithium Battery Incidents in Aviation
Lithium battery fires have become an alarming trend in aviation, with data showing a 388% increase in such incidents since 2015. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there are now, on average, two lithium battery-related thermal runaway events per week on commercial flights worldwide. The FAA’s Thermal Runaway Incident Program documented 579 aviation-related lithium battery accidents between 2006 and 2024, with 69 incidents in the first eleven months of 2024 alone, one of the highest annual totals on record.
The root cause of these incidents is often “thermal runaway,” a process where a battery’s temperature rises uncontrollably due to internal faults, physical damage, or overcharging. This can result in fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases. The confined environment of an aircraft cabin, combined with limited firefighting resources at high altitude, makes such events particularly hazardous. Experts from UL Standards & Engagement highlight the unique challenge posed by lithium-ion battery fires, which can burn hotter and faster than conventional material fires, often overwhelming standard suppression tools.
Surveys among flight attendants reveal a high level of concern, with 87% expressing significant worry about lithium-ion battery risks. Compounding the issue, a notable percentage of passengers (38%) admit to packing lithium-powered devices in checked luggage, despite regulations requiring such items to be carried in the cabin. Furthermore, many airlines have been inconsistent in enforcing these rules, particularly during busy travel periods when gate-checked bags may not be properly screened for battery-powered devices.
“Lithium battery fires on aircraft have increased by 388% since 2015, with incidents now occurring twice weekly on average.” — FAA Thermal Runaway Incident Program
Emirates’ Comprehensive New Power Bank Policy
In response to these safety concerns, Emirates has introduced a new policy that goes beyond industry norms. Effective October 1, 2025, all use of power banks during flight is prohibited. This includes charging devices from power banks and recharging power banks using the aircraft’s power supply. Passengers are still allowed to carry power banks under 100 Watt-hours, in line with international guidelines, but these must be visibly labeled with their capacity and stored in a seat pocket or under-seat bag, never in overhead bins or checked luggage.
The policy is a direct response to the technical realities of battery safety. Emirates notes that while many modern devices have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent overcharging, basic power banks often lack such features, increasing the risk of thermal runaway. By restricting both the use and storage of power banks, the airline aims to reduce the likelihood of undetected fires and improve the crew’s ability to respond quickly if an incident does occur.
Emirates has also launched a passenger education campaign to ensure travelers are aware of the new rules. The airline emphasizes that while safety is the primary concern, it is also committed to minimizing inconvenience by providing ample in-seat charging options for passenger devices. This approach underscores the balance between enhanced safety protocols and maintaining a high level of passenger service.
“The new Emirates policy prohibits all power bank use during flight and requires these devices to be stored only in seat pockets or under-seat bags, not overhead bins.” — AeroTime
The Air Busan Incident: Catalyst for Change
The urgency behind Emirates’ policy shift can be traced to a catastrophic event involving Air Busan Flight 391 in January 2025. While parked at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea, a fire broke out in the aircraft’s tail section, rapidly destroying half the fuselage. Investigators determined the fire originated from a power bank stored in an overhead compartment. Although all 176 passengers and crew evacuated safely, the aircraft was declared a total loss, the first recorded hull loss caused by a passenger’s power bank.
The incident exposed several vulnerabilities. The fire started just minutes after a takeoff delay was announced, and initial attempts to suppress it with handheld extinguishers proved insufficient. Crew protocols prevented passengers from opening the overhead bin, as increased oxygen would have intensified the fire. The event’s outcome could have been far graver had it occurred mid-flight, highlighting the need for preventive measures rather than reliance on emergency response.
In the aftermath, South Korea and several Asian carriers, including EVA Air and Singapore Airlines, rapidly introduced new restrictions: banning power bank storage in overhead bins, prohibiting in-flight charging, and capping the number of power banks per passenger. These regional actions provided a blueprint for Emirates and other global airlines to follow.
“The Air Busan incident was the first total aircraft loss attributed to a passenger power bank fire, prompting immediate regulatory changes across Asia.” — South Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
Industry-Wide Policy Evolution and Technical Considerations
Emirates’ new rules are part of a broader trend. Southwest Airlines was the first major U.S. carrier to restrict power bank usage, requiring devices to remain visible and accessible during charging. Lufthansa and its subsidiary Eurowings in Europe soon followed, banning in-seat power bank charging and mandating special crew announcements about battery safety.
These policies reflect growing recognition of the technical challenges posed by lithium batteries. Unlike smartphones and laptops, many power banks lack advanced circuitry to prevent thermal runaway. The variability in manufacturing standards, especially among counterfeit or low-cost devices, further complicates risk assessment for airlines. Regulatory bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have responded by tightening guidelines, including new state-of-charge limits and enhanced labeling requirements.
Technological innovation is also underway. NASA has developed carbon fiber sleeves that contain thermal runaway events within individual battery cells, and researchers are exploring solid-state batteries with inherently safer chemistries. However, these solutions are not yet widely available, making policy restrictions the most immediate tool for risk mitigation.
“Battery design variations and lack of safety features in many power banks are a central concern for airlines and regulators.” — UL Standards & Engagement
Economic and Operational Implications
Implementing comprehensive power bank restrictions has both operational and financial implications for airlines. Emirates, with its strong profitability and global reach, is well positioned to absorb the costs of crew training, passenger education, and safety equipment upgrades. The airline reported pre-tax profits of $6.2 billion in the 2024–25 financial year, providing resources for extensive safety investments.
For other carriers, especially those under financial stress, the costs of similar policy rollouts may be more challenging. Enhanced crew training, specialized fire suppression equipment, and increased passenger communication all require ongoing investment. Airlines must also balance safety with passenger expectations for device connectivity, especially on long-haul flights where power banks have become a travel staple.
The competitive landscape may shift as a result. Passengers who prioritize safety may gravitate toward airlines with stricter policies, while others may seek out carriers with more lenient rules. Ultimately, industry-wide harmonization and technological innovation are likely to shape the future of lithium battery management in aviation.
Conclusion
Emirates’ decision to ban all power bank use during flights marks a turning point in aviation safety, reflecting both the scale of the lithium battery challenge and the airline’s commitment to proactive risk management. The policy is grounded in recent incident data and technical analysis, and it sets a new benchmark that other carriers and regulators may soon follow.
As the industry awaits breakthroughs in battery technology and fire suppression, comprehensive policy restrictions remain the most effective tool for minimizing risk. The future of air travel will depend on the ability of airlines, regulators, and passengers to adapt to evolving safety standards, balancing technological convenience with the imperative of protecting lives at 30,000 feet.
FAQ
Q: Can I still bring a power bank on Emirates flights?
A: Yes, but it must be under 100 Watt-hours, visibly labeled with capacity, and stored in a seat pocket or under-seat bag. It cannot be used or charged during the flight.
Q: Why are power banks now banned from use on Emirates flights?
A: The ban is a response to a significant increase in lithium battery fires and a catastrophic incident in South Korea. The policy aims to reduce the risk of onboard fires and improve safety.
Q: Are other airlines implementing similar policies?
A: Yes, several major airlines including Southwest, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and others have introduced similar restrictions on power bank usage and storage.
Q: What should I do if my device overheats on a flight?
A: Immediately notify the cabin crew. Do not attempt to handle or open the device yourself, as lithium battery fires can escalate quickly.
Q: Will Emirates provide alternative charging options?
A: Emirates is committed to offering in-seat charging for passenger devices, minimizing inconvenience from the power bank ban.
Sources: Emirates, UL Standards & Engagement, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
Photo Credit: The New York Times, Emirates – Montage
Regulations & Safety
ICAO Proposes Platform to Fix Cross-Border Flight Rule Enforcement
ICAO’s Legal Committee proposes new guidance and a communication platform after finding 75% of countries lack violation-sharing systems.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Legal Committee has proposed a new communication platform and comprehensive legal guidance to address widespread gaps in how countries enforce international flight rules.
Announced in an October 27, 2026, press release, the proposals target inconsistent enforcement and notification failures regarding aviation violations, particularly those occurring over the high seas or involving foreign-registered aircraft. The initiative aims to standardize accountability under Article 12 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
Addressing the data-sharing deficit
Recent reviews by ICAO highlighted significant vulnerabilities in global aviation safety accountability. According to the organization, enforcement of the “Rules of the Air” remains highly inconsistent, with national authorities frequently failing to coordinate on safety infractions.
A legal survey conducted by ICAO revealed that 75% of responding countries currently lack established systems to share information regarding violations committed by foreign aircraft. This data-sharing deficit often results in delayed or lost notifications. The problem is particularly acute for incidents occurring on flights over the high seas, where jurisdictional authority is frequently unclear.
Privacy concerns and legal liabilities have historically discouraged open communication among national aviation authorities. This environment hinders the proactive safety reporting culture that ICAO promotes, leaving regulators unaware of potential repeat offenses by operators crossing international borders.
Standardizing Article 12 enforcement
Article 12 of the Chicago Convention establishes the foundational “Rules of the Air.” Under this framework, every contracting country must enforce these regulations for any aircraft operating within its airspace, as well as for its own registered aircraft regardless of their location. Countries are required to align their national rules with ICAO standards to the greatest extent possible and must prosecute violations.
In practice, national approaches to enforcement vary drastically. Depending on where an incident takes place, pilots and operators might face criminal prosecution, financial penalties, or mandatory retraining. The ICAO Legal Committee, which has drafted 24 international air law treaties since its establishment in 1947, developed the new proposals to bridge these regulatory disparities.
Implementation and next steps
To resolve these inconsistencies, ICAO plans to introduce a first-of-its-kind comprehensive guidance document detailing how member states should implement Article 12.
Alongside the written guidance, the United Nations agency will launch a dedicated communication platform. This system will serve as a centralized point of contact, enabling countries to securely notify one another of potential violations and coordinate cross-border enforcement actions.
AirPro News analysis
The introduction of a centralized communication platform for violation reporting represents a significant shift in international aviation oversight. While ICAO cannot force sovereign nations to harmonize their penal codes, providing a secure channel for data sharing removes the technical and administrative barriers that currently allow operators to evade scrutiny when crossing borders. If widely adopted, this platform could effectively close the loophole where a pilot or airline accumulates a record of infractions in foreign airspace without their home regulator ever being notified.
Photo Credit: ICAO
Regulations & Safety
EASA Annual Safety Review 2026 European Aviation Safety
EASA’s Annual Safety Review 2026 shows European aviation safety remained stable in 2025, with one fatal CAT aeroplane accident recorded.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published its Annual Safety Review 2026 on October 22, 2026, indicating that European aviation safety performance remained stable throughout the 2025 operational year. The comprehensive statistical analysis, formally announced on October 26, 2026, tracks safety performance across all aviation domains to guide practical risk reduction actions and regulatory updates.
Commercial Air Transport safety performance
The review of the 2025 operational year showed that fatal accidents and fatalities remained at or below the 10-year average across most aviation domains. In Commercial Air Transport (CAT) operations involving aeroplanes, EASA recorded one fatal accident. The event involved an air taxi flight that crashed after declaring an emergency, resulting in eight fatalities.
Beyond the single fatal accident, CAT aeroplane operations in 2025 experienced 16 non-fatal accidents and 51 serious incidents. The agency also recorded 17 serious injuries within this domain. EASA attributed these injuries to a variety of operational events, including turbulence, airstair disembarkation, wake vortex encounters, Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) maneuvers, emergency evacuations, and pushback operations.
In a press release accompanying the report, EASA noted the overall stability of the European aviation system.
“The overall picture shows that, in almost all domains, the number of fatal accidents and fatalities remained at or below the average for the previous 10 years. This suggests that safety performance remained broadly stable or has been improved in most areas,” the agency stated.
Rotorcraft operations and leading safety risks
The safety data for Commercial and Specialised Helicopters operations in 2025 included one fatal accident, which resulted in three fatalities. The rotorcraft sector also recorded four non-fatal accidents and 14 serious incidents during the same 12-month period.
The Annual Safety Review identified and ranked the leading safety risks for Commercial Air Transport based on the 2025 data. The top five risks were identified as fire, smoke and pressurisation events, followed by aircraft upset, airborne collision, collision on runway, and runway excursions.
While the broader statistical trends point to a stable safety environment, EASA emphasized that risk levels fluctuate depending on the specific aviation sector. “However, the results varied between different types of operation, underlining the need for continued vigilance and targeted safety action,” the agency noted.
EASA’s evolving safety framework
The Annual Safety Review serves as a critical data-driven input for the European Safety Risk Management (SRM) process. The findings from the 2026 report will feed directly into future updates of the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS), which dictates the regulatory and safety priorities for EU member states.
For the 2026 edition, EASA introduced a new six-page Annual Safety Review Summary. This addition was designed to present headline figures and leading safety risks in a more accessible format for commercial air transport aeroplanes, rotorcraft, and general aviation.
The publication of the safety review aligns with a broader push by EASA to address emerging and persistent operational risks in European airspace. Throughout October 2026, the agency updated several safety guidelines, including revisions to the Easy Access Rules for Aircrew on October 16, 2026, and the CS-GEN-MMEL on October 15, 2026. EASA also recently hosted a joint workshop with EUROCONTROL to address Europe’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference Action Plan, targeting a growing operational safety concern for flight crews operating in and around European airspace.
Photo Credit: EASA
Regulations & Safety
HKIA and Air New Zealand Earn First IATA One ID Certification
Hong Kong International Airport and Air New Zealand are the first to achieve IATA One ID Certification for biometric travel systems.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Air New Zealand (NZ) have become the first aviation organizations globally to achieve One ID Certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for their digital identity and biometric processing systems.
The certifications, officially presented on October 28, 2026, at the IATA World Passenger Symposium in Macao, provide independent validation that the biometric passenger processing technologies deployed by both entities meet global industry standards for contactless travel, data handling, and privacy governance. In a press release issued by the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), the airport operator confirmed it had achieved the full set of certification areas applicable to airports.
Validating biometric processing
IATA recently formalized the One ID Certification program to establish an independent assessment framework for digital identity processes in commercial aviation. The program evaluates an organization’s implementation of digital identity controls, governance frameworks, and system capabilities against established IATA requirements.
The certification covers four principal areas: digitalization of admissibility, contactless travel, biometric handling, and privacy, consent, and governance. Hong Kong International Airport achieved the full set of certification areas applicable to airport operators, which include contactless travel, biometric handling, and privacy, consent, and governance. Air New Zealand was simultaneously certified, marking the first time an airline has achieved the standard.
“We are honoured that HKIA is the world’s first airport to achieve IATA One ID Certification,” Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, stated in the release. She noted that the certification affirms the airport’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience through innovation and demonstrates that its digital identity processes meet global standards.
The mechanics of Flight Token
The foundation of the airport’s certification is its proprietary self-service biometric identification system, known as Flight Token. The system allows passengers to navigate various departure checkpoints using facial recognition technology instead of repeatedly presenting physical travel documents and boarding passes.
Introduced in 2021, the biometric verification spans the entire departure process. Passengers can utilize the technology at check-in, bag drop, security screening, and final boarding. The AAHK, a statutory body wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government that manages and operates the airport, reports that the system has processed over 93 million passengers to date.
The infrastructure required to support this volume of biometric processing has been deployed extensively across the facility. Currently, 80% of departing passengers at the airport are eligible to utilize the Flight Token system across all departure checkpoints.
Industry shift toward paperless travel
The dual certification of a major international hub and a flag carrier represents a measurable step toward standardized paperless travel in international aviation. The broader IATA One ID initiative aims to reduce repeated document checks by allowing travelers to verify their identity before reaching the airport and use facial recognition at participating checkpoints.
Consumer acceptance of such technologies appears to be growing alongside implementation. According to IATA’s 2026 Global Passenger Survey, 78% of respondents indicated a willingness to share biometric data to avoid presenting physical travel documents at airport checkpoints.
Nick Careen, Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security at IATA, emphasized the importance of standardized frameworks and stakeholder confidence, as reported by TRAICY Global.
“Digital identity can significantly simplify travel, but only when all stakeholders involved in the journey can trust how others verify identity, handle biometric data, and protect privacy,” Careen said.
AirPro News analysis
We view the introduction and initial awarding of the IATA One ID Certification as a critical mechanism for overcoming the primary barrier to global biometric travel: interoperability built on trust. While individual airports and airlines have deployed proprietary biometric systems for years, these isolated ecosystems often require passengers to re-enroll or present physical documents when transferring between different carriers or jurisdictions.
By establishing an independent baseline for privacy governance and data handling, IATA is creating the necessary framework for cross-border digital identity acceptance. The simultaneous certification of an airport and an airline highlights the dual-stakeholder cooperation required to make seamless, paperless international transit a reality. Wider global adoption of the One ID standard will now depend on ongoing cooperation between airlines, airports, and national governments regarding the legal acceptance of digital travel credentials.
Photo Credit: Hong Kong International Airport
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