Effective 1 October 2025, Emirates will prohibit the use of power banks onboard all its flights, including those departing from Cape Town International Airport.
While passengers may still carry one power bank under 100 watt-hours with them, charging devices or the power bank itself during the flight will no longer be allowed.
New Emirates power bank rules include:
- Only one power bank under 100Wh is allowed per passenger
- Power banks must be kept in seat pockets or under the seat (not overhead bins)
- No use of power banks to charge devices during flight
- No charging of power banks via the aircraft power supply
- Power banks remain prohibited in checked luggage
This change comes after safety reviews highlighted increasing incidents involving lithium-ion battery-related fires caused by power banks.
Power banks pose a safety risk due to the potential for thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction inside lithium batteries that can cause overheating, fire, or explosions if the battery malfunctions.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 15 reported lithium battery-related incidents in 2025. Between 2015 and 2024, lithium battery fires on US flights increased by 388%.
South Africa has reported no thermal runaway incidents on flights to date, with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) following international safety standards from ICAO and IATA.
What this means for Cape Town travellers:
Cape Town International Airport serves as a key hub for Emirates, with twice-daily flights to Dubai operating per week.
This is part of Emirates' current 42 passenger services a week in South Africa, including three times daily to Johannesburg, and seven flights per week to Durban.
Passengers flying Emirates should prepare accordingly by ensuring their power banks comply with the new rules and avoid using them while onboard. For more info on the updated policy, visit Emirates’ official website.