US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Virgin and Qantas to Ban Use of Portable Power Banks After String of Fires
Qantas and Virgin Australia will limit passengers to two power banks under 160 watt-hours and ban their use and charging onboard to address rising lithium battery fire risks.
- On December 1, 2025, Virgin Australia will ban power bank use on flights, with Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar following on December 15, 2025 across Australian airlines' networks.
- Following a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight and incidents involving Air China and Air Busan earlier this year, the ACCC and ATSB prompted safety policy changes.
- The new rules state passengers may carry two power banks up to 160 watt-hours, require airline approval for 100–160 watt-hours, ban charging onboard including in-seat USB/power ports, and prohibit power banks in checked baggage.
- Passengers who ignore the rules face disposal of power banks or ticket forfeiture, with Virgin Australia onboard announcements starting Friday and Qantas check-in and terminal communications from mid-December.
- The move also ties to international standards as Virgin Australia chief operations officer Chris Snook said, '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.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
28 Articles
28 Articles
New Restrictions on Power Banks for Aussie Travellers Following Cabin Fire
From December 2025, Australian travellers will face stricter rules on carrying portable power banks and spare lithium batteries, following recent safety incidents, including a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight in July. Virgin Australia will enforce new rules on portable lithium batteries from Dec. 1, while Qantas and Jetstar will introduce restrictions from Dec. 15 across all domestic and international services. Virgin linked the changes…
·New York, United States
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources28
Leaning Left7Leaning Right7Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Left, 46% Right
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left, 46% of the sources lean Right
47% Left
L 47%
R 46%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
