Australia’s biggest airlines will introduce a blanket ban on using power banks on their flights amid rising concerns about the risks of fires on board.

Qantas, Qantas Link Jetstar and Virgin have all banned the carriage of batteries in checked baggage for some time.

But the ban, which takes effect on all four airlines from December, is the first time Australian airlines will restrict use of portable chargers, their size and how many passengers can bring on board.

From December 1 for Virgin Australia and December 15 for Qantas and its smaller airlines will limit passengers to two power banks each– and nothing over 160 watt-hours will be prohibited.

They cannot be charged while on board and – for Qantas and its affiliates – must remain within reach of travellers, either in seat pockets, under the seat or in overhead lockers. Virgin’s ban extends to stashing batteries in lockers.

The changes follow a global crackdown on the carriage of lithium batteries, amid a concerning spike in midair fires and other incidents. Major international airlines, including Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, have already taken similar steps.

Incidents of concern include the lithium battery blaze on board a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart in July.

Passengers reported smelling smoke about 10 minutes before landing. As the cabin filled with smoke, crews opened an overhead compartment and reportedly discovered a burning lithium battery. It was put out with water and a fire extinguisher, before the plane landed safely at Hobart Airport.

Earlier this month, a man in his 50s suffered burns to his legs and fingers when a lithium battery in his pocket ignited at the Qantas business lounge at Melbourne Airport. About 150 travellers were evacuated as smoke filled the area.

Fire engulfed this Air Busan plane as it awaited takeoff.

Elsewhere, in January, the dramatic emergency with an Air Busan plane at a South Korean airport has also been blamed on a portable lithium battery.

A blaze engulfed the plane as it awaited takeoff, with 176 people on board. Miraculously, no one was killed and only three people suffered minor injuries.

Investigators found “multiple electrical melting marks from the remains of a power bank”, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said.

“Due to the growing use of power banks by travellers and the associated safety risks of damaged or defective lithium battery-powered devices, the changes follow a comprehensive internal safety review in recent months and work with other industry representatives including Virgin Australia, the International Air Transport Association and Oneworld carriers,” Qantas said on Friday.

“The changes are also informed by planned updates from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, expected in 2026.”

Virgin Australia chief operations officer Chris Snook said the changes matched the policies of other international airlines.

“Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks associated with these devices,” she said.

The crackdown also follows four Asian airlines this month banning Bluetooth devices such as airbuds from checked luggage, due to similar concerns of mid-flight fires.

New Zealand’s Aviation Authority also specifically prohibits packing wireless earbuds in checked luggage on flights under its jurisdiction.

“They must not go in check-in luggage under any circumstances,” the Kiwi aviation organisation says on its website.

“Each person is allowed a total of 20 spare batteries or power banks in their carry-on, unless an airline has approved the carriage of more batteries. The wireless earbuds/AirPods charger is considered one of the 20 spare batteries or power banks allowed in passengers’ carry-on.”

Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority launched a campaign earlier in 2025 to educate travellers as to what, and how, they can take on their trip.

It said lithium-ion batteries topped the list of common problem items – and most travellers now carry at least four rechargeable (lithium-powered) devices on to planes.