Qantas and Virgin join the international move to ban in-flight use of power-bank chargers

Australia’s largest airlines are banning in-flight power bank use after two dangerous incidents, including a mid-air fire that forced emergency action by crew and passengers.

Australia’s biggest airlines are updating their power-bank policies in the name of safety, banning the use of the personal charging devices in flight and restricting passengers to no more than two power banks in their carry-on luggage.

Virgin Australia’s tougher line on power banks will take effect from December 1, and Qantas and Jetstar’s new policy will be enforced from December 15.

It follows a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight to Hobart in July, which was started by a power bank inside a bag in an overhead locker.

More recently a Qantas passenger’s clothing caught fire when a power bank in his pocket overheated and ignited while he was in the airline’s Melbourne business lounge.

As well as the ban on usage, both airline groups will require passengers to keep any power banks within reach – either on them personally, in the seat pocket or under the seat in front of them.

A ban on power banks in checked-in luggage will continue, and lithium batteries that are part of a smart bag must be removed and taken as carry-on.

According to a recent International Air Transport Association passenger survey, 44 per cent of travellers carry a power bank when flying, 83 per cent take a phone and 60 per cent tote a laptop.

Virgin Australia chief operations officer Chris Snook said the updated policy reflected the airline’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of safety.

“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 changes to the policy will be permanent from December 1 and reflect our safety-first approach.”

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia passengers will no longer be permitted to use back-up power banks during flights from next month.

Qantas said the changes followed a comprehensive internal safety review and work with other industry representatives, including Virgin Australia, partner airlines and IATA.

To help alleviate the need for power banks in flight, airlines are increasingly adding in-seat charging ports — 88 per cent of Virgin Australia 737s are now equipped with the feature and the remainder will be fitted by June 2026.

New Qantas A220s and A321XLRs have seat-back charging ports, as well as most of the airline’s 737s, A330s, A380s and 787s.

The updated power bank policies bring Qantas and Virgin into line with airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways and Korean Air which also ban their use in-flight.

Swinburne aviation expert Salim Hijazeen said the changes were a “sensible step towards improving passenger safety, as battery-related fires become more frequent and unpredictable”.

“Limiting the number of power banks and tightening the rules around how they are carried is a good move, but it will ultimately come down to how airlines ensure compliance and enforce these changes,” said Mr Hijazeen.

Carter Capner Law director Peter Carter said it was unlikely a battery fire would disable an airliner, but it could cause significant damage and put an aircraft out of service for several days.

“A battery fire could also require a diversion from its intended destination which would be very costly to the airline, with the expense of overnight accommodation, meals and passenger disruption,” Mr Carter said.

“Airlines fear liability claims for passenger injuries associated with battery fires, and the damage they can cause to carry-on luggage, and they’re seeking to mitigate these risks.”

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is continuing to investigate the fire aboard Virgin Australia flight VA1528 which was extinguished by cabin crew and passengers after smoke began seeping from the overhead locker.

Originally published as Qantas and Virgin join the international move to ban in-flight use of power-bank chargers