Power bank fire in aircraft cabin highlights airline battery safety rules.
A power bank kept in an overhead cabin compartment caught fire aboard a China Eastern Airlines flight shortly after it landed at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, with cabin crew members responding quickly to put out the flames.
According to the South China Morning Post, the incident occurred on China Eastern Flight MU2421 on July 24, 2026, after the Airbus A320 arrived from Lanzhou. The power bank, which was inside a passenger’s carry-on bag, ignited while the aircraft was taxiing towards the terminal.
No injuries were reported in the incident, although the aircraft sustained minor smoke damage, according to the Aviation Safety Network.
Flames and smoke reported inside aircraft cabin
Videos circulating on social media showed smoke and flames emerging from an open overhead luggage compartment. A flight attendant was seen reaching into the compartment while other crew members worked together to contain and extinguish the fire.
The cabin crew successfully put out the flames before passengers were allowed to disembark, while airport firefighting teams also attended the aircraft as a precaution.
A passenger told Chinese media that people seated near the front of the cabin began shouting and moving away after noticing the fire.
“I thought the outside of the aircraft was burning, but when I looked up, I saw flames coming from the overhead luggage compartment,” the passenger said, according to a report cited by The Sun.
Another traveller said the crew stayed calm throughout the incident, reassuring passengers and instructing them not to panic while managing the emergency.
Power bank fire risks: Why overhead storage can be a concern
China Eastern Airlines permits passengers to carry power banks only in cabin baggage, but does not allow them to be stored in overhead compartments.
Passengers are also prohibited from using power banks to charge electronic devices during flights.
The restrictions reflect growing aviation concerns over lithium battery fires, which can spread rapidly inside aircraft cabins and are more difficult to manage when devices are stored away from immediate view.
China strengthens lithium battery regulations
China introduced stricter rules for carrying power banks on domestic flights in June 2025 following a series of incidents involving lithium battery-related fires.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China banned power banks that do not carry the required China Compulsory Certification (3C) mark, along with recalled models and devices with unclear or unverifiable certification labels.
In March 2025, a power bank caught fire in an overhead compartment on a Hong Kong Airlines Airbus A320 operating from Hangzhou to Hong Kong, forcing the aircraft to divert to Fuzhou. All 168 passengers and crew members evacuated safely, with no injuries reported.
UAE airlines tighten power bank rules
Passengers flying from the UAE are advised to check the latest airline requirements before packing power banks in cabin baggage. Growing concerns over lithium battery fires have led airlines worldwide to introduce stricter rules on how portable chargers can be carried and used onboard.
UAE carriers have also strengthened their safety guidelines to minimise the risk of battery-related incidents during flights.
UAE airlines impose power bank limits
Emirates, flydubai and Etihad Airways allow passengers to carry only one power bank per person, with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours (Wh). Passengers must ensure the devices are switched off, protected against accidental activation and stored securely in their cabin baggage.
Emirates prohibits power bank use during flights
Emirates introduced stricter power bank regulations from October 1, 2025.
Passengers may carry one power bank with a capacity below 100 Wh, but are not permitted to use it to charge electronic devices during the flight. Charging the power bank using the aircraft’s power supply is also prohibited.
The airline requires power banks to be stored in the seat pocket or in a bag placed under the seat in front of the passenger, rather than in overhead luggage compartments.
Etihad tightens rules on onboard power bank use
Etihad Airways allows passengers to carry one power bank per person provided the device has a clearly displayed capacity of 100 Wh or less.
However, the airline prohibits all power bank use during flights, including charging phones or other electronic devices with a power bank, as well as recharging the power bank through the aircraft’s power outlets.
Passengers are advised to keep power banks in an easily accessible location and avoid storing them where crew members may have difficulty reaching them quickly in an emergency.
flydubai sets lithium battery limits
flydubai permits power banks with a capacity of up to 100 Wh without prior approval. Devices between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval, while power banks exceeding 160 Wh are not permitted onboard.
Power banks must be carried in hand baggage only, with measures taken to prevent short circuits and accidental activation. They are not permitted in checked luggage.
The airline also requires spare lithium batteries to be individually protected and transported only in cabin baggage.
