Virgin and Qantas to ban use of portable power banks after string of fires

Summary

Australian airlines will ban the use of portable power banks from next month following a string of international incidents, including a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight in July.From December 1, Virgin Australia passengers will be required to keep power banks within sight and easily accessible throughout the flight.A power bank is a portable, rechargeable battery pack that stores electrical energy to charge other electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops on the go.The devices cannot be used or charged on board, and passengers will be limited to two power banks, with larger units over 100 watt-hours requiring airline approval.Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar will introduce similar measures from December 15.A Qantas spokeswoman confirmed passengers would also be limited to two power banks, each under 160 watt-hours, in cabin baggage.Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar will all ban the use of power banks from December 15. (ABC News: Billy Cooper)The moves come amid growing concerns about the safety risks posed by lithium battery-powered devices.Virgin Australia's chief operations officer Chris Snook said the changes aligned with international airline safety standards."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," Mr Snook said.The airlines said passengers would still be permitted to charge their devices on in-seat charging ports.The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it would soon release a report into the Virgin flight from Sydney to Hobart, on which a power bank caught fire in an overhead compartment in July.A passenger has been treated for smoke inhalation after a fire broke out on board a Virgin flight as it descended into Hobart.The incident follows several recent international cases, including an Air China flight that made an emergency landing ...