An Emirates aircraft lands at Dubai International Airport. ARCHIVE

Emirates airline will ban the use of all power banks onboard its flights starting October 1 as part of new safety measures to reduce lithium battery-related risks. Passengers may still carry one power bank under 100 watt-hours, but they cannot use it to charge devices or charge the power bank itself during the flight. The device must be stored in a seat pocket or under the seat, not in overhead bins, and cannot be checked in. The airline said the move follows a safety review prompted by the rising number of lithium battery incidents in the aviation industry. Power banks, which use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer cells, can experience “thermal runaway” if damaged or overcharged — a rapid temperature rise that can cause fires or explosions. “Storing power banks in accessible locations ensures cabin crew can respond quickly in the rare event of a fire,” Emirates said. ICA/Expat Media
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