UAE experts issue lithium battery warnings to air travelers amid safety risks

Aviation safety experts in the UAE have issued a public safety advisory regarding the transport of lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights, detailing specific technical risks and prohibited behaviors following a series of global incidents. The warning comes as passenger volumes rise during the summer travel season on Monday, 3 August. UAE-based aviation safety specialists and battery experts, including representatives from testing laboratories, stated that lithium batteries remain the primary cause of thermal runaway incidents in aircraft cabins. Thermal runaway occurs when a battery cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state, potentially leading to smoke, fire, or explosions that are difficult to extinguish with standard on-board equipment. Critical safety protocols for UAE travelers Current UAE aviation regulations, aligned with General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and IATA standards, mandate that all spare lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only. Passengers are strictly prohibited from placing these items in checked luggage, where a fire would remain undetected by the crew in the cargo hold. Experts noted that power banks exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh) generally require prior airline approval, while those over 160Wh are typically banned from passenger aircraft entirely. Safety specialists identified three critical warning signs that a power bank is compromised: visible swelling or bulging of the casing, excessive heat during…