Recently, passengers aboard China Eastern Airlines flight MU2421 were in for a scary experience. Yes, on July 24th, this flight, which landed at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, saw a power bank onboard catching fire in the carry-on bag of the passenger. This happened while the Airbus A320 aircraft was taxing to the terminal. Although the crew quickly extinguished the flames before anybody was injured, it has once again brought the important conversation of power banks to light.
Important Guideline Regarding Power Banks
If you happen to be in the UAE, you already know that major airlines have introduced strict rules for power banks. The reason for this is that power banks contain lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, as mentioned by Gulf News. As a result, if these batteries get damaged, overheat or develop an internal fault, they could enter thermal runaway, wherein the temperature rises rapidly, leading to fire. Airlines make it mandatory for the power banks to remain inside the aircraft cabin. So that in case something like this goes wrong, the cabin crew can quickly respond.
What Airlines In The UAE Have Mentioned
However, airlines have strict rules regarding power banks in the UAE and here’s what the rules for different airlines look like:
Emirates
This Dubai-based airline allows only one power bank with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours. Using a power bank is, however, prohibited onboard. You cannot use it for charging phones, tablets or laptops during the flight. And you can not charge the power bank using the aircraft’s USB port or power socket. Power banks must not be stored inside an overhead baggage compartment, and they cannot be packed inside checked baggage.
flydubai
The airline has mentioned that lithium batteries, which exceed 160 watt-hours or contain more than 8 g of lithium batteries are prohibited. According to the passenger guide, travellers can only carry one power bank with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours in the hand baggage. These devices cannot be used in flight, nor can they be charged.
Also Read: An Indian Expat Was Detained At Abu Dhabi Airport For Carrying This Sweet From Bihar!
Etihad Airways
It has a similar rule, which makes it mandatory to keep the power bank of up to 100 watt-hours within reach. Passengers cannot use the power bank onboard or charge it. Nor can they use it to charge other electronic devices.
Air Arabia
This one, on the other hand, treats power banks as spare lithium batteries. They can be carried in the cabin bag only and never be placed in checked luggage. They can be stored in the seat pocket or under the seat rather than in overhead lockers. It must be kept switched off throughout the flight and cannot be used to charge other electronic devices. Moreover, it cannot be charged using the aircraft power supply.
So make sure to follow all these rules; after all, as travellers, you are equally responsible for the safety of the flight. And these rules are in place only for your safety.
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