UAE Airlines Impose New Electronics Rules

New Regulations for Electronics: What UAE Travelers Should Know

In recent years, the global aviation industry has introduced increasingly stringent rules regarding the transportation of portable electronic devices, especially those powered by lithium-ion batteries. The decisions are driven by serious safety concerns: overheating or damaged batteries can pose a fire risk in the air, endangering the lives of passengers and crew. Airlines in the United Arab Emirates – including Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai – have also tightened their regulations, so it's worth getting detailed information about the new rules before traveling.

Fires in the Air – Not Just a Theoretical Risk

It's not just a theoretical danger: recently, several incidents have occurred where lithium battery-powered devices caught fire during flights or in the airport terminal. In one Melbourne case, for example, an overheated power bank exploded in a passenger's pocket, causing the Qantas business lounge to be completely evacuated. In another incident on an Air China flight, passengers panicked when a battery in the overhead compartment started a fire. The plane had to make an emergency landing.

Subsequently, several airlines – including three not publicly named – banned the transport of Bluetooth headphones in checked luggage as these devices are constantly active, conflicting with regulations stating such devices must be completely turned off if not carried on board.

Emirates: Stricter Rules from October 1

From October 1, Emirates Airlines has completely banned the use of power banks on board, regardless of whether they are in hand luggage. Although their transport in hand luggage is still allowed, using, charging, or even turning them on is prohibited.

What Do Airlines Allow?

The table below outlines some characteristics of the regulations applied by Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai regarding various devices:

Spare batteries: Maximum of 20 can be carried in hand luggage, prohibited in checked luggage.

Lithium batteries between 100 and 160 Wh: At Emirates only with prior approval, approved in hand luggage with Etihad and flydubai.

Drones: Emirates does not allow them in hand luggage, only in checked luggage. Etihad and flydubai allow them in checked luggage, but their operation is not permitted anywhere.

Lithium battery devices (e.g., phones, laptops): Generally allowed in both types of luggage.

Safety equipment with lithium battery: Requires special approval or completely banned.

Power banks: Only in hand luggage, use prohibited.

Smart bags with removable batteries: Generally allowed.

E-cigarettes: Only in hand luggage, use prohibited.

Hoverboards and electric scooters: Completely banned in both luggage types.

Gas-filled hair styling tools: Only one allowed, with a safety cap, and cannot be used on board.

Important Warnings for Travelers

The above list is just a general overview. All passengers are advised to check the current regulations directly on the airline's website, especially for rarely used or newer devices.

Etihad, for example, does not allow the checked-in transport of Apple MacBook Pro laptops if they belong to the recalled series. These are only permitted in hand luggage, must be turned off, and cannot be charged during the flight.

According to Dubai airport regulations, a maximum of 15 mobile phones can be packed in any luggage, and they must be in the manufacturer's box (except for personal-use devices). Otherwise, they may be confiscated.

Only one gas-filled hair styling tool is allowed, and it's prohibited to carry gas refills on board or in checked luggage.

Regarding drones: the battery can only be carried if it is removable and its capacity does not exceed 160Wh. Their operation at the airport and on board is prohibited, and a maximum of two spare batteries can be carried, only in hand luggage and separately packaged.

Safety First

To prevent incidents on the aircraft, the rules are not only strict but also constantly updated. Due to overheating battery fires occurring increasingly worldwide, authorities have zero tolerance for any device that is not appropriately placed or packaged.

UAE airlines are at the forefront in this regard, as Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai all place great emphasis on communicating safety rules. However, it is the passengers' responsibility to prepare adequately and not leave the proper placement of their devices to the last minute.

Summary

If someone travels from the UAE, particularly from Dubai airport, it is crucial to check not only their passport and boarding pass but also what electronic devices they have, how they are packaged, and the condition of their batteries. A small oversight could not only result in the confiscation of the device but also have more serious consequences – in some cases, endangering the safety of the entire flight.

Information can change rapidly, so every passenger is advised to check the latest regulations directly on the respective airline's official website to ensure that the journey is not only comfortable but also safe.

(Source of the article based on Emirates Airlines' power bank ban regulation.)