Overview
Major Australian airlines, including Qantas and Virgin, have banned power bank use during flights over safety risks. Passengers can still carry power banks on board, but they must not be used in any capacity.
Rules and timing
New rules from Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia come into effect starting in December, banning the use of power banks during flights. The previous rules about not packing power banks in checked luggage still apply.
Rationale
Airlines cite “safety risks” associated with portable lithium batteries, noting concerns about damaged or defective cells that can cause overheating or fire.
Industry context
Qantas says the regulations “follow a comprehensive internal safety review” and are informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), expected in 2026. Earlier in the year, several power bank models were recalled due to overheating and fire risks, including some Anker models.
Technology considerations
Fears over power bank safety led to calls for greater investment in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) technology, which is considered to be safer than lithium-ion. At this stage, Australian airlines do not differentiate between different battery technologies in their rules.
Policy variations
The incoming rules vary slightly between Qantas and Virgin.
Author's summary
Australian carriers tighten in-flight power bank rules due to safety risks from lithium batteries, with December implementation and ICAO-informed steps, while allowing passengers to carry but not use power banks on board.