Travelers flying often reply on power banks to keep their gadgets juiced up during their long trips. But with whispers of new rules popping up, many are wondering: will using power banks during flights from Dubai be banned starting April 1, 2025? Let’s discuss the latest updates, and the rules, and figure out what’s really going on as of March 15, 2025.
Ban of Power Banks Starting from April 1st, 2025
There is no official confirmation from Dubai’s major airlines – Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai or Air Arabia – about banning the use of power banks during flights starting from April 1st, 2025. However, Singapore Airlines has announced that they will stop passengers from using power banks mid-flight as of the date April 1st. Posts on X and recent airline statements show no sign of an in-flight usage ban from Dubai. So, if you’re boarding a Singapore Airline at Dubai International (DXB) or another UAE airport, you can likely still plug your phone into a power bank—assuming the crew’s okay with it.
Airlines worldwide are cracking down after incidents tied to lithium-ion batteries, like the Air Busan fire in January 2025. For now, though, Dubai’s airlines are sticking to their existing rules.
Current Rules to be Followed in Dubai During Flight Travel
The current rules in Dubai: UAE airlines have clear guidelines about carrying power banks, but they’re quieter on using them mid-air. According to Emirates’ Dangerous Goods Policy, power banks are welcome in your carry-on bag—no checked luggage allowed. Etihad calls them “spare batteries” and says the same: keep them in your hand baggage. Flydubai and Air Arabia follow suit, aligning with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The limit? You can bring up to 15 personal electronic devices, including power banks, as long as they’re under 160 watt-hours (Wh). Anything over 100Wh might need a nod from the airline first.
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Emirates and Etihad don’t explicitly ban the use of power banks, but they suggest keeping power banks off unless you’re actively charging something. However, it’s advised to check with your airline before you fly, because gate agents and crew can enforce rules on the spot.
Why Power Banks are Banned During Flight Travel?
It’s all about safety worries. Power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or even catch fire if they’re cheap, damaged, or mishandled. A power bank sparked a blaze on a Scoot flight in Taiwan in 2023, and another torched an Air Busan plane on the ground in January 2025. South Korea reported 13 battery-related plane fires between 2020 and 2024—most linked to power banks. Dubai’s airports, like DXB, have long banned power banks in checked bags for this reason. If a fire starts in the cabin, the crew can tackle it; in the cargo hold, it’s a bigger gamble.
Dubai Makes Everything Easy for Travelers
As of March 15, 2025, using power banks during flights from Dubai isn’t banned starting April 1—or any time soon, based on what we know. You can carry them in your hand luggage and, barring a crew objection, use them to charge your gear. Still, with safety rules tightening worldwide, it’s wise to double-check with Emirates, Etihad, or whoever you’re flying with closer to your date. Stay charged, stay safe, and enjoy your flight from Dubai!
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