Australia's two largest airlines are implementing comprehensive bans on power bank usage aboard their aircraft following a series of lithium battery fires, with Virgin Australia's restrictions taking effect December 1 and Qantas Group airlines following on December 15.

The sweeping new policies affect all flights operated by Virgin Australia, Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar, fundamentally changing how passengers can charge their electronic devices during travel.

Virgin Australia Fire Sparks Industry Response

The policy changes stem directly from a serious incident on July 21, 2025, when Virgin Australia Flight VA1528 from Sydney to Hobart experienced a fire in an overhead locker during descent, with the cause believed to be an overheating power bank in a passenger's bag.

Passengers noticed smoke emanating from an overhead compartment around 9 AM as the Boeing 737-800 began its descent. Cabin crew opened the compartment and discovered what appeared to be a lithium-ion power bank on fire, which they quickly extinguished using onboard fire extinguishers and passenger water bottles.

The aircraft landed safely at Hobart Airport, where firefighters removed the affected bag from the overhead locker and one passenger received medical attention for suspected smoke inhalation.

New Restrictions Take Effect in December

Under the new policies, passengers will be prohibited from using power banks to charge devices during flight and cannot charge the power banks themselves, even through in-seat power or USB ports.

Both airlines will limit passengers to carrying a maximum of two power banks per person, with Qantas enforcing a 160 watt-hour capacity limit and Virgin Australia setting a 100 watt-hour threshold, though Virgin may approve devices up to 160 watt-hours with prior permission.

Power banks, spare batteries, and portable electronic devices must be kept easily accessible throughout flights in seat pockets, under the seat in front, or on the passenger's person, rather than in overhead lockers.

Industry-Wide Safety Review

Qantas confirmed the changes followed a comprehensive internal safety review conducted alongside Virgin Australia, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and other Oneworld carriers. The policies are also informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), expected in 2026.

Virgin Australia Chief Operating Officer Chris Snook explained: "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".

Growing Global Concern Over Battery Incidents

The Australian airline restrictions follow similar incidents worldwide, including a January 2025 fire that destroyed an Air Busan aircraft in South Korea when a power bank caught fire in an overhead bin during boarding. The aircraft was consumed by flames, leaving a gutted wreck on the tarmac, though passengers escaped with only minor injuries.

Additional incidents include a man in his 50s who suffered burns when a lithium battery ignited in his pocket at the Qantas business lounge at Melbourne Airport, leading to the evacuation of about 150 travelers.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has recorded five inflight fires involving power banks on Australian or Australian-registered aircraft, highlighting the growing safety concerns surrounding these devices.

Technical Safety Risks

Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to "thermal runaway," a self-accelerating process where heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to rapid and uncontrollable temperature increases that can cause fire, explosions, and toxic gas release.

Aviation expert Professor Dose explained that while battery fires are rare, "the consequences can be quite severe" on aircraft, as they are difficult to extinguish and can release toxic gases in the confined cabin environment.

Compliance and Passenger Impact

If customers do not comply with the new restrictions, items will need to be disposed of at the airport before flight, or the flight ticket will need to be forfeited. Power banks must display battery specifications and be manufactured by reputable companies, with unlabeled, damaged, leaking, recalled, or counterfeit devices prohibited.

Passengers can still charge devices directly through available in-seat charging ports, but cannot use power banks as intermediary charging sources. The changes come during Australia's busy summer travel season, potentially affecting thousands of travelers during the Christmas and New Year period.

The coordinated approach by Australia's major carriers reflects the aviation industry's increasing focus on lithium battery safety, with other international airlines including Emirates, EVA Air, and Qatar Airways having already implemented similar power bank restrictions.