Major Australian airlines announce new restrictions on power banks after fire incidents

Melbourne 21 November 2025: Australia’s leading airlines have introduced strict new rules on carrying and using power banks on flights, following a series of alarming fire incidents both within the country and overseas. Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar and Virgin Australia will enforce the new safety measures starting next month.

Limit of Two Power Banks Per Passenger; High-Capacity Devices Banned

Under the updated regulations:

• Each passenger may carry no more than two power banks.

• Power banks with a capacity of over 160 watt-hours are strictly prohibited.

• Passengers are not allowed to charge power banks during flights.

Power banks must be kept within immediate reach, such as in a seat pocket or under the seat. Virgin has gone further by banning them from overhead lockers altogether. This means travellers will only be able to charge their devices through in-seat USB or power outlets.

New Rules Triggered by a Series of Fire Incidents

The changes come after several serious safety incidents:

• In July, a power bank stored in the overhead compartment of a Virgin flight from Sydney to Hobart caught fire, filling the cabin with smoke just minutes before landing. A passenger later recalled noticing a “funny smell” moments before a “small ball of fire” appeared when the locker was opened.

• Earlier this month, a man in his 50s suffered burns to his legs and fingers when a lithium battery in his pocket ignited inside a Qantas business lounge at Melbourne Airport. Smoke spread quickly, forcing around 150 travellers to evacuate the lounge.

• Overseas, an Air China flight had to conduct an emergency landing in October after a lithium battery caught fire in an overhead bin.

• In January, a portable charger exploded in the overhead compartment of an Air Busan flight at South Korea’s Gimhae Airport, setting the aircraft ablaze. Although all passengers and crew evacuated safely, the plane was destroyed.

According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, there have been over 500 in-flight incidents involving lithium batteries and power banks in the past two decades.

Airlines Say Rules Are in Line with Global Standards

Virgin Australia’s Chief Operations Officer, Chris Snook, said the updated protocols are consistent with measures adopted by international airlines.

“Travellers are now carrying more lithium-powered devices than ever. While these items are usually safe when handled properly, these changes will help minimise any potential risks,” she said.

Qantas stated that the decision follows an extensive internal safety review conducted with industry specialists.

When the Rules Begin

• Virgin Australia: from December 1

• Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar: from December 15

Passengers will begin hearing inflight announcements about the new rules starting Friday.