https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-21/airlines-virgin-australia-qantas-ban-power-banks/106033982 Skip to main content ABC News * Just In * For You * Politics * World * Business * Analysis * Sport * Lifestyle * Entertainment More Search Log in * News Home + Just In + For You + Analysis + Rural + Watch Live + Health + Indigenous + Politics + Science + Deep Time + Elections + World + Environment + Investigations + Business + Local news * Sport + AFL + NRL + Football + Tennis + Cricket + Netball * Lifestyle + Wellbeing + Relationships & Family + Food & Recipes + Personal Finance + Home & Garden * Entertainment + TV & Movies + Books + Music + Pop Culture + Arts Your ABC Account Personalise the news and stay in the know Log in to personalise * Facebook * YouTube * Instagram * Twitter * Emergency * Backstory * Newsletters * Zhong Wen Xin Wen * BERITA BAHASA INDONESIA * TOK PISIN Appearance (BETA) Follow system settings Select an option * Always light * Always dark * Follow system settings Find any issues using dark mode? Please let us know * ABC * ABC iView * ABC Listen * Triple J * ABC Kids * ABC News ABC News News Home Virgin and Qantas to ban use of portable power banks after string of fires Share Virgin and Qantas to ban use of portable power banks after string of fires By national tourism reporter Kristy Sexton-McGrath * Topic:Travel and Tourism 4h ago4 hours agoThu 20 Nov 2025 at 6:45pm A Virgin plane is seen through an airport terminal glass Virgin Australia says the changes align with international airline safety standards. (ABC News: John Gunn) In short: Virgin Australia passengers will from December 1 have to keep power banks within sight and easily accessible throughout flights. Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar will introduce similar measures from December 15. It follows several recent international cases where lithium batteries have caught fire. abc.net.au/news/airlines-virgin-australia-qantas-ban-power-banks/ 106033982 Link copied ShareShare article Australian airlines will ban the use of portable power banks from next month following a string of international incidents, including a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight in July. From December 1, Virgin Australia passengers will be required to keep power banks within sight and easily accessible throughout the flight. A power bank is a portable, rechargeable battery pack that stores electrical energy to charge other electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops on the go. The devices cannot be used or charged on board, and passengers will be limited to two power banks, with larger units over 100 watt-hours requiring airline approval. Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar will introduce similar measures from December 15. A Qantas spokeswoman confirmed passengers would also be limited to two power banks, each under 160 watt-hours, in cabin baggage. A Qantas plane on the runway at Sydney Airport. Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar will all ban the use of power banks from December 15. (ABC News: Billy Cooper) The moves come amid growing concerns about the safety risks posed by lithium battery-powered devices. Virgin Australia's chief operations officer Chris Snook said the changes aligned with international airline safety standards. "Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks associated with these devices," Mr Snook said. The airlines said passengers would still be permitted to charge their devices on in-seat charging ports. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it would soon release a report into the Virgin flight from Sydney to Hobart, on which a power bank caught fire in an overhead compartment in July. Fire onboard as Virgin flight descends into Hobart Closeup of two passenger plane tails parked at an airport, red 'Virgin' lettering on one, the other orange with 'JETstar' A passenger has been treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out on board a Virgin flight as it descended into Hobart. The incident follows several recent international cases, including an Air China flight that made an emergency landing last month in Shanghai after a lithium battery caught fire. An Air Busan plane was also destroyed earlier this year at South Korea's Gimhae Airport after a similar incident involving a power bank. The ATSB said there had been five in-flight fires involving power banks on Australian or Australian-registered aircraft since 2016. The hands of a woman using a portable battery pack to charge her phone Power banks are small rechargeable battery packs that can be carried around to charge things on the go. (Reuters: Mark Kauzlarich) Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA) federal secretary Teri O'Toole had been calling for tougher legislation on the use of the devices onboard. "It's important passengers understand these are very dangerous items in an aircraft and to follow the rules airlines put in place. At the end of the day, it's flight attendants who have to fight the fire," Ms O'Toole said. "The fact all the airlines are now aligning their policies is really positive. It means passengers get the same message and the same process regardless of who they fly with, and that consistency helps keep everyone safe." Airlines tighten rules overseas While international airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific and Korean Air, all banned the use of power banks on flights this year, Australian carriers still allowed them, though rules varied. A damaged plane with black marks after flames. A power bank caused a fire that destroyed an Air Busan plane this year. (Reuters) Emirates was the latest airline to ban the use of power banks this month, also due to safety concerns. "There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry," the airline said. An International Air Transport Association (IATA) passenger survey found 44 per cent of passengers travelled with a power bank, 84 per cent of travellers carried a phone and 60 per cent carried a laptop. Dodgy power banks spark concern The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said reported incidents involving lithium batteries jumped 92 per cent between 2020 and 2022. Travellers were now carrying an average of four devices powered by lithium batteries, the regulator noted. Line of people in queue at Virgin Australia check-in at Brisbane Airport Power banks are prohibited in checked-in baggage. (ABC News) Since 2020, the ACCC has issued 17 recalls of power banks, and warned that around 34,000 defective chargers may still be in use. "Some consumers have suffered serious burn injuries, and some have had their property damaged because of power banks overheating and catching fire," ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said. Here is a breakdown of the new rules: Qantas / Jetstar / Virgin Australia QantasLink Effective December 15, 2025 December 1, 2025 Date On-board Prohibited Prohibited Use Charging Prohibited, including Prohibited; passengers may on Board in-seat USB/power ports use in-seat power for other devices Maximum Number of Two per passenger Two per passenger Power Banks Maximum Up to 100 Wh unrestricted; Capacity 160 Wh per power bank 100-160 Wh require airline approval; >160 Wh prohibited Seat pocket, under seat, or Must be easily accessible Storage nearby overhead locker; (seat pocket, under seat, or smart bag batteries must be on person); not in overhead removed locker Checked Prohibited Prohibited Baggage Loading... 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