Australian airlines Virgin Australia and Qantas will ban the use of portable power banks onboard flights starting next month. This decision comes after several incidents involving power bank fires, including one on a Virgin Australia flight in July.
From December 1, Virgin Australia passengers must keep power banks within sight and easily accessible throughout the flight. The devices cannot be used or charged onboard. Passengers are limited to two power banks, with units over 100 watt-hours requiring airline approval.
Qantas, along with QantasLink and Jetstar, will implement similar rules from December 15. Each passenger is allowed two power banks under 160 watt-hours in cabin baggage. Onboard use or charging of power banks will be prohibited.
Power banks are portable battery packs used to charge electronic devices like smartphones and tablets on the go. However, lithium battery-powered devices carry safety risks, including potential fires caused by overheating or malfunctions.
Virgin Australia’s Chief Operations Officer Chris Snook noted, “Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now carried by travellers. While generally safe when handled properly, this move minimises potential risks.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) plans to release a report on the July Virgin flight fire, which broke out in an overhead compartment. Since 2016, there have been five in-flight fires involving power banks on Australian or Australian-registered aircraft.
Recent international incidents include an Air China flight emergency landing caused by a lithium battery fire and an Air Busan plane destroyed at South Korea’s Gimhae Airport. The ATSB’s data highlights growing concerns about power bank safety.
The Flight Attendants Association of Australia called for tougher rules. Federal Secretary Teri O’Toole said, “Passengers must understand these are very dangerous items in aircraft.” She welcomed policy alignment among airlines for consistent passenger safety messages.
International carriers, such as Emirates and Cathay Pacific, banned power banks earlier this year amid rising incidents. Emirates cited significant growth in power bank use and related safety concerns.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission noted a 92% jump in lithium battery-related incidents since 2020. Travellers now carry an average of four lithium battery-powered devices. The ACCC has recalled 17 power bank models due to fire and burn hazards.
Key details of the new airline rules include:
1. Effective dates: Virgin Australia December 1, Qantas and subsidiaries December 15.
2. Onboard use and charging: Prohibited.
3. Maximum power banks per passenger: Two.
4. Capacity limits: Virgin allows up to 100 Wh unrestricted; Qantas up to 160 Wh.
5. Storage: Virgin requires power banks to be accessible, not stored in overhead lockers.
6. Checked baggage: Power banks banned.
Passengers should plan accordingly to comply and ensure safety when travelling with portable power banks.
Read more at: www.abc.net.au
