Aussie airlines clamp down on power banks after a string of mid

Major Australian airlines are set to ban the use of power banks on flights after a series of dangerous mid-air fire incidents.

Virgin Australia will introduce the new restrictions from December 1, with Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar rolling out similar policies on December 15.

The shift follows a frightening mid-air blaze on a Virgin flight to Hobart in July after a power bank ignited inside an overhead locker.

The move also comes as carriers worldwide act on the growing risk of fires caused by damaged or overheated power banks, with Qantas already banning them from checked luggage.

Other airlines have long prohibited loose batteries in checked baggage.

Virgin Australia chief operations officer Chris Snook said safety and international standards were behind the overhaul.

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