Photo: Shutterstock Emirates Implements Safety Measures. Emirates, the aviation giant from the UAE, announces a dramatic safety measure: starting October 1, it will ban the charging of personal devices using mobile chargers during its flights.
Earlier this year in March, Thai Airways also banned the use of mobile chargers on its planes.
According to Emirates' statement, 'The use of any backup battery is prohibited on company flights for powering devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras. Passengers are still allowed to carry one backup battery, but they may not use it in the cabin—neither for charging devices from the battery nor for charging it via the aircraft's power source.'
Photo: Emirates X
Photo: SHUTTERSTOCKThe batteries passengers will be allowed to carry must have a power capacity of less than 100 watts. Such devices are prohibited in the cabin, and charging them is also banned. Backup batteries carried onto flights must display their capacity information.
The only place where batteries can be stored during the flight is in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you.
The airline explains that 'after a comprehensive safety review, Emirates is taking a decisive and proactive stance to reduce the risk regarding batteries on aircraft. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of customers using lithium batteries, and as a result, an increasing number of incidents related to lithium batteries on flights in the aviation industry.' Indeed, in November 2023, a passenger's mobile charger exploded on a JETBLUE flight, causing passengers to disembark from the aircraft.
They further state that 'if the battery is overcharged or damaged, it may cause a rapid and uncontrolled rise in temperature. This can lead to dangerous outcomes like fires, explosions, and the release of toxic gases. Many batteries are not equipped with protective measures against increased temperature, which increases the risk.'
Emirates concludes by saying that this new initiative 'will significantly reduce the risks associated with batteries by banning their use during the flight. Storing batteries in accessible locations within the cabin ensures that in the rare event of a fire, the trained cabin crew can respond quickly and extinguish the flames. Safety is one of Emirates' core values and a fundamental aspect of all operations and procedures. Emirates is committed to maintaining and enhancing safety levels continuously, protecting customers and staff at all times.'