The current lithium battery fireplace aboard an Air China flight on October 18 has as soon as once more spotlighted the rising aviation security issues associated to energy banks and lithium-ion batteries. Flight CA139, touring from Hangzhou to Incheon, South Korea, was compelled to divert to Shanghai after a lithium battery both from an influence financial institution or a tool ignited in an overhead bin. Fortuitously, no accidents had been reported and the aircraft landed safely. This incident renews world concern concerning the dangers posed by lithium batteries onboard plane, notably when saved in overhead compartments the place smoke detection might be delayed.Barely a day later, on October 19, an IndiGo flight in Delhi confronted an analogous scare when a passenger’s energy financial institution caught fireplace throughout taxiing. The crew contained the blaze swiftly with no accidents, underscoring the persistent dangers of those gadgets in aviation. Airways burdened the significance of strict tips for battery-operated gadgets following these occasions.The Worldwide Air Transport Affiliation (IATA) studies lithium battery fires happen about as soon as each 10 days globally, usually involving energy banks or spare batteries in overhead bins. Aviation consultants warning that whereas a full world ban on energy banks just isn’t rapid, tightening watt-hour limits and utilization guidelines is underway. If incidents persist, broad prohibitions may observe, however banning all lithium battery gadgets is impractical given their ubiquitous use in laptops, medical gadgets, and cameras.
Lithium-ion battery and energy financial institution fireplace incidents set off stricter airline rules
Following the incident, China has banned uncertified or recalled energy banks on home flights from June 2025 onward, permitting solely “3C” licensed items. A number of airways, together with Korean Air, Air China, and Qantas, have additionally issued advisories proscribing energy financial institution use onboard. The European Union Aviation Security Company (EASA) has known as for improved crew coaching on lithium battery fires and higher passenger communication about secure storage. Forward of those incidents, UAE carriers like Emirates and flydubai had already launched stringent controls efficient October 1, 2025. Nonetheless, passenger confusion stays excessive; many incorrectly consider energy banks might be checked in, regardless of world guidelines requiring them in cabin baggage with terminal safety. Travellers are urged to hold solely licensed energy banks beneath 100 Wh in hand baggage, keep away from utilizing or charging them throughout flights, retailer them inside straightforward attain (not in overhead bins), and report instantly if gadgets overheat, smoke, or spark.
Checklist of things banned/prohibited by UAE carriers
| Merchandise / Class | Cabin (Carry‑On) | Checked Baggage | Key Restrictions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEDs with constructed‑in lithium batteries (telephones, laptops, tablets, cameras) | Sure | Sure (in lots of circumstances) | Battery have to be ≤ 100 Wh; max 15 gadgets per passenger (Etihad); have to be totally switched off in checked baggage. |
| Spare / free lithium batteries | Sure (cabin solely) | Not allowed | Should be ≤ 100 Wh (or ≤ 160 Wh with airline approval); terminals have to be protected. |
| Energy banks | Sure (beneath 100 Wh solely) | Not allowed | Only one per passenger (some airways); have to be labelled; utilization banned onboard on some airways (e.g., Emirates from Oct 1, 2025); should not be saved in overhead bins. |
| Sensible baggage / motorised rideables (hoverboards, mini‑Segways, and so forth.) | Typically banned | Not allowed | Battery have to be detachable; if not, merchandise is totally prohibited. |
| Mobility aids with lithium batteries (wheelchairs, and so forth.) | Allowed (with approval) | Allowed (with approval) | Battery ≤ 300 Wh (or 2 x 160 Wh); have to be detachable and guarded. Airline approval required. |
| Gadgets with built-in lithium batteries (in checked baggage) | Typically allowed | Sure (with circumstances) | Machine have to be off; lithium content material restrictions apply (metallic > 0.3 g or ion > 2.7 Wh could also be restricted). |
| Liquids, aerosols, flammable objects | Varies | Varies | Alcohol above 70% banned; compressed gases, flammables restricted; examine airport/airline guidelines. |
Key highlights and sensible ideas
- The 100 Wh capability threshold is a recurring commonplace for lithium‑ion batteries throughout these UAE airline/airport insurance policies (carry‑on solely for a lot of battery varieties).
- The rule that energy banks will not be used onboard flights (on sure airways) is comparatively new (e.g., Emirates from 1 October 2025) and displays a tighter security stance.
- Many objects that use lithium batteries (spare batteries, energy banks, rideables) are thought of excessive fireplace threat — thus limitations apply for carry‑on vs checked.
- Even when an merchandise is technically allowed, poorly‑packaged or non‑compliant objects could also be confiscated at safety/boarding. Emirates explicitly warns of this.
- At all times examine each your airline’s coverage and the airport/departure nation’s regulated lists (e.g., Dubai Airports “Departures Prohibited Gadgets”).
- For flights to/from the U.S., further guidelines apply (e.g., digital gadgets have to be charged and operated when requested).
Whereas the Air China fireplace may speed up regulatory restrictions, the aviation business balances security with practicality, given passengers’ dependence on battery-powered gadgets. Specialists emphasize the shift from comfort in the direction of warning will proceed, with potential for stricter bans if main fireplace incidents reoccur. Till then, strict adherence to current tips stays key to secure journey.
