Qantas and Virgin Australia Ban Power Bank Usage on Flights Following Safety Incidents

Australia’s two largest airlines are implementing comprehensive bans on the use of external batteries on board their planes following a series of lithium battery fires, with Virgin Australia’s restrictions coming into effect on December 1 and Qantas Group airlines 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 arise directly from a serious incident on July 21, 2025, when Virgin Australia flight VA1528 from Sydney to Hobart experienced a fire in an overhead bin during descent, with the cause likely being an overheating external battery in a passenger’s bag.

Passengers noticed smoke coming from an overhead compartment around 9 a.m. as the Boeing 737-800 began its descent. The cabin crew opened the compartment and discovered what appeared to be a lithium-ion external battery on fire, which they quickly extinguished using onboard fire extinguishers and passengers’ water bottles.

The plane landed safely at Hobart Airport, where firefighters removed the affected bag from the overhead compartment and a passenger received medical treatment for suspected smoke inhalation.

New restrictions come into force in December

Under the new policies, passengers will be prohibited from using power banks to charge devices during the flight and will not be able to charge the power banks themselves, even via seat power or USB ports.

Both airlines will limit passengers to carrying a maximum of two power banks per person, with Qantas imposing a capacity limit of 160 watt hours and Virgin Australia setting a threshold of 100 watt hours, although Virgin can approve devices up to 160 watt hours with prior authorization.

Power banks, spare batteries and portable electronic devices should be easily accessible throughout the flight, in seat pockets, under the front seat or on the passenger’s person, rather than in overhead compartments.

Industry-Wide Safety Review

Qantas confirmed the changes followed a comprehensive internal safety review conducted in conjunction with 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 Organization (ICAO), expected in 2026.

Virgin Australia Chief Operating Officer Chris Snook explained: “Globally, more and more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travelers, and while these items are generally safe when packaged and handled appropriately, this move will minimize the potential risks associated with these devices.”

Growing global concern over battery incidents

The Australian airline restrictions follow similar incidents around the world, including a January 2025 fire that destroyed an Air Busan plane in South Korea when an external battery caught fire in an overhead compartment during boarding. The plane was consumed by flames, leaving gutted wreckage on the tarmac, but the passengers escaped with only minor injuries.

Other incidents include a man in his 50s who was burned when a lithium battery ignited in his pocket at the Qantas business lounge at Melbourne Airport, leading to the evacuation of around 150 travelers.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has recorded five in-flight fires involving external batteries on Australian or Australian-registered aircraft, highlighting growing safety concerns surrounding these devices.

Technical security risks

Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to “thermal runaway,” a self-accelerating process in which heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to rapid, uncontrollable temperature increases that can cause fire, explosions and the release of toxic gases.

Aeronautics expert Professor Dose explained that although battery fires are rare, “the consequences can be quite serious” on planes because they are difficult to extinguish and can release toxic gases into the confined cabin environment.

Compliance and impact on passengers

If customers do not comply with the new restrictions, items will have to be dropped off at the airport before the flight, otherwise the plane ticket will have to be confiscated. 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 their devices directly through the charging ports available in the seats, but cannot use power banks as intermediate charging sources. The changes come during Australia’s peak summer travel season, potentially affecting thousands of travelers over the Christmas and New Year period.

The coordinated approach by Australia’s major carriers reflects the aviation industry’s growing focus on lithium battery safety, with other international airlines including Emirates, EVA Air and Qatar Airways already implementing similar electric battery restrictions.