Qantas and Virgin ban power bank use during flights in big change

Major Australian airlines, including Qantas and Virgin, have banned power bank use during flights over safety risks. Australian airlines are cracking down on in-flight power bank use, citing “safety risks” associated with the use of portable lithium batteries. New rules from Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia come into effect starting in December, banning the use of power banks during flights. Passengers can still carry power banks on board, as long as they are not used in any capacity. The previous rules about not packing power banks in checked luggage still apply.

According to Qantas’ announcement, the new regulations “follow a comprehensive internal safety review” that “are also informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), expected in 2026”.

Most of the concern is related to damaged or defective lithium batteries. Multiple power bank models were recalled earlier in the year due to overheating and fire risks, including several Anker models. Fears over power bank safety led to Laser CEO Chris Lau calling on the tech industry to invest further in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) technology, which is said to be safer than lithium-ion. At this stage, Australian airlines don’t differentiate between the different types of technology. The incoming rules vary slightly between Qantas and Virgin.

Author’s note: The article documents a tightening of in-flight safety policies around portable chargers, reflecting broader industry concerns about lithium battery risks and regulatory expectations.

GadgetGuy — 2025-11-21

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