Qantas Bans Portable Power Banks In-Flight
Qantas and Jetstar will ban portable power banks in-flight from December 15, 2025, due to fire safety concerns. Qantas and its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar have become the latest airlines to ban the use of portable power banks in-flight over fears the devices can suddenly and unexpectedly overheat and then burst into flames.
In recent months, the aviation industry has been shaken by a dramatic rise in frightening mid-flight incidents caused by portable power banks and other devices powered by lithium batteries catching fire. Airlines are, however, most concerned about the risk posed by power banks because not only are the batteries much larger than those of other devices like mobile phones, but more and more passengers are purchasing these popular travel accessories from unreliable online retailers with questionable safety certifications.
The Qantas Group will follow a slew of other airlines that have already placed strict restrictions on the use of portable banks. From December 15, passengers traveling on any Qantas Group airline operated by Qantas, Jetstar, and QantasLink must heed the following power bank rules: In a statement, the Qantas Group said it was introducing the new restrictions following a “comprehensive internal safety review,” which has been months in the making. Before introducing the new rules, Qantas worked with industry representatives from Virgin Australia, the International Air Transportation Association, and partners from across the oneworld alliance.
“comprehensive internal safety review,” which has been months in the making
Summary: A safety-driven policy change restricts (and effectively bans) in-flight use of portable power banks on Qantas Group flights, aligning with industry-wide caution about lithium battery fires.
Author’s note: The article describes airline bans on portable power banks citing fire risks and safety reviews, with cooperation from industry partners across alliances.