We have already referenced in other articles the problems caused by carrying a lithium battery on board a flight. In this case, we will focus on the measures taken by the airline Emirates Airlines, which has prohibited the use of power banks on board, and whose regulation came into effect on October 1. The company has issued a statement noting the increase in incidents related to lithium batteries.
Starting October 1, passengers who wish to bring their portable battery on board will have to do so in a carry-on bag placed under the seat. It cannot be used on board and must have a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours. Emirates Airlines is not alone in this decision: other companies such as Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have implemented similar restrictions, as countries like Taiwan and South Korea have also restricted the use of portable batteries on domestic flights.
Emirates Airlines
Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, it is an airline that operates a global network of flights from its hub at Dubai International Airport. Known for its modern fleet of aircraft, including the largest number of Airbus A380s in the world, Emirates is one of the largest airlines in the Middle East and is renowned for the high quality of its services. It has recently issued a statement reporting an increase in onboard incidents directly related to the presence of lithium batteries. Therefore, they have taken measures, restricting passengers from bringing them on board if they do not comply with regulations.
Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries work as follows: between two electrodes, they move lithium ions through an electrolyte solution. It often happens that this type of battery becomes overcharged, leading to a ‘thermal runaway.’ This occurs when heat accumulates faster than it can be dissipated, causing high temperature peaks and, consequently, possible fires.
New rules on board
Since October 1st, Emirates has made public its new regulations regarding the presence of lithium batteries on board. If you plan to take a flight with this company, you should know that:
Each passenger may only carry one power bank, and it must have a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours.
- It is strictly forbidden to use the power bank on board to charge devices.
- You cannot plug a power bank into the aircraft’s power sources.
- Information about the battery capacity must be visible.
- They must be placed in a seat pocket or in a bag underneath it, but never in the overhead compartment.
- They must be within reach of the crew in case of an incident.
- As with other airlines, power banks are not allowed in checked luggage.
More airlines join these restrictions
Many airlines have experienced this type of incident and have also decided to take measures, tightening onboard requirements. Countries such as Taiwan and South Korea have enacted regulations on the use of this type of battery on domestic flights, and companies like Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have also implemented restrictive measures.