Australian Carriers Impose Strict New Rules on Power Banks
Major airlines in Australia are implementing stringent new restrictions on portable power banks, following significant fire safety concerns. This decisive action comes after a recent incident where a power bank caught fire, forcing the evacuation of a Qantas business lounge.
What Are the New Rules for Passengers?
Virgin Australia will lead the changes, introducing a new policy from 1 December. Passengers on all its flights will be required to keep specific battery-powered items close to them in the cabin. This includes power banks, spare batteries, and portable electronic devices. Each person is limited to a maximum of two such items, with none exceeding 160Wh.
Critically, the airline is imposing a complete ban on using a power bank to charge another device during a flight. Charging the power banks themselves using in-seat power ports will also be prohibited.
Qantas and Jetstar Follow with December Ban
Qantas and its subsidiary Jetstar will enact similar measures from 15 December. The airlines stated that the safety risks associated with "damaged or defective lithium battery-powered devices" prompted the move. As with Virgin Australia, using power banks onboard and charging them will be forbidden.
Qantas will generally allow customers to carry up to two power banks in their cabin baggage. All devices must clearly display their battery specifications. For smart luggage, the batteries must be removed and stored in carry-on bags. Power banks remain banned from checked baggage entirely.
The Cause: Lithium-Ion Battery Risks
The core of the issue lies with the lithium-ion batteries commonly used in power banks. These batteries are known to pose a risk of overheating, which can lead to fires. Aviation safety regulators and airlines are increasingly concerned about these hazards in the confined space of an aircraft.
A Qantas spokesperson explained that keeping these devices within easy reach allows crew to identify and respond quickly to any problems. The changes are also informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), expected in 2026.
Incident That Sparked the Crackdown
The urgency of these new rules was highlighted earlier this month by a frightening event at Melbourne airport. A 50-year-old man was waiting in the Qantas business lounge when the power bank in his trouser pocket reportedly burst into flames.
The device, powered by a lithium battery, ignited, causing burn injuries to the passenger. Witnesses reported hearing screams and seeing the device explode, sending what was described as "battery acid flying everywhere." The lounge had to be evacuated as a result.
This incident and the subsequent airline bans underscore the growing global awareness of the fire risks associated with lithium batteries in air travel. Passengers flying with Australian carriers from December must ensure they are familiar with these critical new safety protocols.
