flydubai Issues Updated Power Bank Guidelines to Enhance Flight Safety, Here is What You Need To Know

Published on October 3, 2025

As part of its ongoing commitment to passenger safety, flydubai has introduced updated regulations regarding the transportation of power banks onboard, effective from 1 October 2025. The move follows a recent announcement by Emirates, another UAE-based airline, which outlined stricter rules for carrying portable batteries. These revised guidelines are part of a wider push by UAE airlines to align with global safety standards concerning lithium batteries.

Power banks, often used to charge mobile devices during long-haul flights, pose significant safety risks due to their potential to overheat or catch fire, particularly when mishandled or damaged. The new measures aim to mitigate these risks and ensure that passengers are well-informed about the safe transportation and use of these devices during flights.

Updated Guidelines for Carrying Power Banks

flydubai’s updated policy now allows passengers to carry only one power bank per person in their hand baggage. The power bank must have a watt-hour (Wh) rating of 100Wh or less and should be clearly marked with this information. Power banks exceeding 100Wh are strictly prohibited, as they present a higher risk of thermal runaway, which can result in fire hazards.

For those travelling with power banks, it is important to note that the use of these devices is strictly prohibited during the flight, including charging devices or the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power sockets. This rule ensures that the safety of all passengers is maintained during the flight.

Storage Restrictions

According to the updated guidelines, power banks must be stored in hand baggage only. Passengers are advised to keep their power banks under the seat in front of them or in the seat pocket. These devices should never be placed in overhead lockers. This restriction is designed to reduce the risk of accidental activation or short circuits, which could occur if the power bank is improperly stored or exposed to other items.

Additionally, passengers are instructed to switch off their power banks and protect them from accidental activation by storing them in their original packaging or a protective pouch. This helps ensure that the power bank does not overheat or suffer damage during the flight, which could lead to a hazardous situation.

Regulations for Lithium Batteries and Other Devices

The new power bank rules also align with existing regulations for other lithium-powered devices, such as laptops, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, rechargeable batteries, and digital cameras. Like power banks, these devices must be transported in hand baggage and switched off before being stored in checked luggage. Devices packed in checked baggage should also be securely fastened to avoid accidental activation.

Flydubai has urged passengers to check the regulations carefully before traveling. For any uncertainties regarding the transport of lithium-powered devices, passengers are encouraged to contact the airline before their flight to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Understanding the Risks of Carrying Power Banks

While power banks are a convenient way to keep devices charged during flights, their risks are well-documented. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), lithium batteries, including power banks, are the most common source of in-flight fire incidents. The primary concern is that these batteries, if damaged or improperly stored, may overheat, potentially causing a fire. In rare cases, they can even explode, posing significant safety threats to the aircraft and its passengers.

A key factor contributing to the risks of power banks is the potential for overcharging or short-circuiting. If a battery is exposed to extreme temperatures or damaged, the internal cells can break down, leading to thermal runaway. Thermal runaway is a chain reaction that can cause the battery to release heat, catch fire, or explode. Storing power banks in checked luggage, where they are not easily accessible, increases the likelihood of such incidents remaining undetected until it is too late.

To mitigate these risks, many airlines, including flydubai, have implemented strict guidelines on the transport of power banks and other lithium-powered devices. These policies are designed not only to protect passengers but also to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. Ensuring that power banks are only carried in hand baggage, where they can be monitored, and not in checked luggage, is a critical part of reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.

Flydubai’s Efforts to Align with Global Safety Standards

Flydubai’s new guidelines on power banks reflect the airline’s commitment to maintaining a high level of passenger safety. The airline is working to align its policies with global safety standards on lithium batteries, which have been adopted by various international aviation bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These standards aim to ensure that passengers are fully aware of the risks associated with carrying lithium-powered devices and take necessary precautions.

Additionally, as part of the UAE’s broader efforts to enhance inflight safety, flydubai, along with Emirates, has been proactive in updating its regulations on portable electronic devices. The aim is to prevent accidents related to lithium batteries, ensuring that passengers are aware of the safest ways to carry and store these devices while adhering to the airline’s policies.

Tips for Safe Travel with Power Banks

1. Ensure Watt-Hour Rating Compliance: Always check that your power bank does not exceed the 100Wh limit. Devices above this threshold are prohibited by flydubai’s regulations.
2. Store Properly: Keep your power bank in hand baggage only, and make sure it is stored in a safe, easily accessible location, such as under the seat or in the seat pocket.
3. Turn Off Devices: Ensure that your power bank is completely switched off and protected from accidental activation during the flight.
4. Use Protective Packaging: Store your power bank in its original packaging or a protective pouch to prevent damage and minimize safety risks.
5. No Charging During the Flight: Avoid attempting to charge your devices or the power bank itself using the aircraft’s power outlets.

Prioritizing Safety for All Passengers

With power banks being one of the most common personal electronic devices carried on flights today, it is essential for passengers to follow strict safety guidelines to minimize risks associated with lithium batteries. Flydubai’s updated regulations aim to provide a safer travel environment for all passengers by limiting the risks associated with these devices. By adhering to the new guidelines, passengers can ensure their devices comply with safety regulations, contributing to a smooth and secure flight experience.

As travel safety continues to be a priority for airlines around the world, passengers are encouraged to stay informed about the latest safety rules, particularly those related to electronic devices. Ensuring that portable batteries and other lithium-powered devices are transported in compliance with airline guidelines is crucial in maintaining the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.