Airlines to ban use of lithium power banks
2 days ago
- #aviation safety
- #power bank ban
- #lithium battery risks
- Virgin Australia and Qantas to ban the use of portable power banks on flights from December 1 and December 15, respectively.
- Passengers will be limited to carrying two power banks, with restrictions on capacity (100-160 watt-hours requiring approval).
- Power banks must be kept easily accessible during flights and cannot be used or charged onboard.
- The ban follows several international incidents involving lithium battery fires, including a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia flight.
- The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reported five in-flight fires involving power banks since 2016.
- Flight Attendants Association of Australia (FAAA) supports the new rules, emphasizing the dangers of power banks on aircraft.
- International airlines like Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Korean Air have also banned power banks due to safety concerns.
- The ACCC reported a 92% increase in lithium battery incidents between 2020 and 2022, with 17 power bank recalls issued.
- Passengers can still use in-seat charging ports for other devices, but power banks are prohibited in checked baggage.