UAE residents heading abroad may want to take a closer look at their hand luggage. Airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai, have introduced stricter rules on electronic devices, driven by growing global safety concerns over lithium batteries.
As of October 1, Emirates has banned the use of power banks onboard, while other UAE carriers have followed suit with similar restrictions. The move aligns with international aviation safety standards and comes after several high-profile incidents involving overheated batteries and mid-air fires.
Travellers need to know
Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways have rolled out updated policies that affect everything from power banks and spare batteries to drones and recalled laptops.
Under the new power bank ban UAE airlines guidelines, passengers are still allowed to carry power banks in their hand luggage — but they cannot be used or charged onboard. Devices must remain completely switched off, with protective caps or covers over exposed terminals. Checked baggage remains off-limits for any lithium-powered device.
Etihad allows drones as part of the baggage allowance but requires that batteries be removable and meet the approved watt-hour limit (typically under 160Wh). Emirates, meanwhile, bans drones in cabin bags but allows them in checked luggage under certain conditions.
Another key update concerns Apple MacBook Pro models recalled for potential battery overheating. These laptops are permitted only in cabin baggage, must stay powered off throughout the flight, and cannot be charged onboard.
For UAE residents
While the updates may sound technical, they’re rooted in real incidents. In one case, a power bank caught fire at Melbourne International Airport, setting off alarms in the Qantas business lounge and injuring a passenger. In another, a lithium battery ignited inside an overhead compartment during an Air China flight, forcing an emergency landing.
These events underline the growing risk posed by the small devices we use daily. In a country like the UAE — where most residents carry multiple gadgets for work and travel — such safety measures are not just precautionary but essential.
With the UAE being one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, small incidents can have a major ripple effect. These new rules aim to prevent in-flight emergencies and protect passengers, crew, and equipment from potential fire hazards.
What you can and can’t pack- simplified guide
Allowed in cabin baggage:
- Power banks under 100Wh (must be switched off; no charging onboard)
- Personal electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) under 100Wh
- E-cigarettes (cannot be used onboard)
- Smart bags with removable batteries
Prohibited in checked baggage:
- Power banks
- E-cigarettes
- Spare lithium batteries
- Recalled MacBook Pro models
Need airline approval:
- Lithium batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh
- Security or surveillance equipment containing batteries
Completely banned:
- Hoverboards, motorised scooters, and self-balancing devices
Important airport rule:
Dubai Airport limits travellers to carrying a maximum of 15 mobile phones in luggage, provided they are in manufacturer packaging. Carrying commercial quantities may result in confiscation or delay at security checkpoints.
How it affects daily life in Dubai and beyond
For many Dubai-based travellers — from photographers and influencers to frequent business flyers — these changes mean rethinking how to pack and charge devices. Carry fewer spares, label your batteries clearly, and ensure devices are switched off before check-in.
Freelancers and digital nomads who travel with several power banks or camera batteries will need to check airline rules before every trip, as limits may vary. Even within the UAE, Etihad, Emirates, and flydubai each maintain distinct rules for certain electronic items.
For families travelling together, especially during holidays, it’s also wise to consolidate charging devices; one approved power bank per traveller usually suffices.
What UAE airlines say
Airlines maintain that these rules aren’t meant to inconvenience passengers but to ensure safety for all onboard. Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai continue to emphasise passenger responsibility in packing and handling electronic devices safely.
Their safety teams work closely with international aviation regulators to adapt policies based on real-world incidents. In short, the guidelines are constantly evolving.
Similar to the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority’s ongoing updates on airport safety, these airline-specific measures highlight the UAE’s proactive role in global aviation standards.
Travellers’ checklist before heading to the airport
- Pack only essential electronics in your hand luggage.
- Ensure all spare batteries and power banks meet watt-hour requirements.
- Keep devices turned off during the flight.
- Arrive early for extra security checks if carrying multiple gadgets.
- Always review the latest baggage policies on your airline’s official site 48 hours before departure.
The power bank ban by UAE airlines and related device rules are a reflection of how seriously the aviation industry takes safety. For residents used to fast-paced travel, it’s a small adjustment that ensures smoother, safer flights for everyone onboard.
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