Australian Airlines to Ban Portable Power Banks on Flights Starting December 1

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.

The devices cannot be used or charged on board, and passengers will be limited to two power banks, with larger capacity units restricted.

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.