Australian Airlines, Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar, Implement a New Ban on Portable Power Banks Onboard for their Passenger Safety

Published on November 22, 2025

The Australian airlines are going to ban portable power banks in flights as part of an attempt to improve flight safety from December 1, 2025. This comes amid a series of similar international incidents and after a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight in July 2025 related to a malfunctioning power bank. The fire had raised serious questions about the risks from such rechargeable battery packs carried by passengers on flights.

Starting December 1, Virgin Australia passengers will have to keep power banks in sight and accessible at all times during the flight. Power banks, used by travelers to charge smartphones, tablets, and laptops, cannot be used or charged on flights anymore. Also, no more than two power banks will be permitted in carry-on bags, with bigger units over 100 watt-hours needing approval from the airline.

Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar to Follow Suit

Following Virgin Australia’s announcement, other major Australian carriers including Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar will implement similar measures starting on December 15, 2025. These airlines will adopt guidelines to restrict the use of portable power banks on board and impose stricter controls regarding their size and storage during flights.

Qantas and its subsidiaries have stated that this precautionary measure aims to reduce the risk of fire hazards and ensure the safety of both passengers and crew members. As portable power banks have become a common accessory for modern travelers, especially for long-haul flights, the new rules are a necessary step toward addressing growing concerns around battery fires in flight.

Safety Concerns Prompt the Ban on Power Banks

The recent mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight in July 2025, believed to have been caused by an overheating power bank, brought attention to the potential safety risks associated with electronic devices onboard aircraft. The fire, although quickly contained, prompted global aviation regulators to review existing policies and consider stronger regulations for battery-powered devices.

While power banks are designed to provide convenience by offering a portable energy source, their high energy capacity can pose significant risks when damaged or improperly stored. If the battery pack malfunctions, the resulting fire hazard can escalate quickly, particularly in the confined space of an aircraft. This issue has led airlines worldwide to introduce new safety protocols regarding the use of such devices.

Impact on Travelers and Airline Operations

The new restrictions are likely to affect a wide range of travelers, particularly those who rely on their power banks to stay connected during long flights. However, the new guidelines are intended to balance convenience with safety, ensuring that passengers’ devices are not a potential fire risk while still allowing them to carry essential electronic equipment.

Airlines are urging travelers to be aware of the new regulations and to follow storage guidelines for their portable chargers. Passengers will be required to keep power banks in their carry-on luggage, rather than in checked baggage, which could pose a greater safety risk if there were an issue with the device.

What Passengers Need to Know

Passengers planning to fly on Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, or QantasLink should be aware of the following key guidelines regarding portable power banks:

1. Power banks must remain visible and easily accessible during the flight.
2. No charging or usage of power banks is allowed onboard.
3. Passengers may carry a maximum of two power banks.
4. Larger power banks exceeding 100 watt-hours will require approval from the airline before being brought on board.

These regulations are part of an increasing global effort to ensure passenger safety and address growing concerns over lithium-ion battery safety during air travel. Airlines are working to ensure that the safety of passengers remains the top priority while maintaining convenient travel options for modern travelers.

Tourism Impact: Impact on Travel Experience

The introduction of these new restrictions could impact the overall travel experience, especially for long-haul passengers who rely on their power banks to stay charged for entertainment, work, or communication purposes. However, the safety measures are expected to have a positive long-term impact on tourism by reducing safety incidents and ensuring that travelers feel confident in the safety of air travel. While some travelers may find the changes inconvenient, the overall goal is to maintain airline safety standards and avoid the risks associated with uncontrolled fires onboard aircraft.

The decision to ban power banks is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry of implementing stricter regulations on passenger electronics. These changes may spark further discussion about how the aviation industry can maintain a balance between modern travel conveniences and ensuring safe air travel for all passengers.

Tourism Impact on Airlines and Tourism Destinations

The introduction of these measures may also have an indirect impact on the tourism industry in Australia and across the Pacific region. Tourism operators and hotels may experience shifts in demand if passengers begin to opt for destinations with more lenient rules regarding electronics on flights. As many travelers use power banks to stay connected during their trips, restrictions on these devices could impact their overall travel experience, influencing decisions on which airlines or destinations to choose.

For destinations like Australia and Southeast Asia, where travelers rely on long-haul flights and often need to charge devices during the flight, these changes may cause travelers to reconsider the practicality of travelling with certain electronics. As a result, tourism authorities in Australia might need to collaborate with airlines to educate travelers about the new guidelines, ensuring that tourism flows are not significantly disrupted.

Balancing Safety and Convenience in Air Travel

While portable power banks have been a common and convenient tool for travelers, the recent changes to airline regulations just show that safety must come first in air travel. With new rules on the use and storage of power banks coming into effect on major airlines in Australia, passengers now have to adapt to the new requirements if they want to continue enjoying a safe and comfortable flying experience.

Ensuring the safety of batteries on board is paramount to retaining aviation integrity. The industry is determined to reduce, if not halt, any possibility of in-flight fire outbreaks. With the measures being implemented, travelers should keep themselves abreast of the new guidelines while airlines continue to fine-tune their safety procedures to ensure global air travel remains as safe and secure as possible.