Fiji Airways has introduced new safety measures that apply to the carriage and use of portable power banks on all Fiji Airways and Fiji Link flights, effective 19 January 2026.
Under the updated measures, the use of portable power banks will no longer be permitted onboard, and power banks will be completely prohibited in checked luggage. Passengers are advised to carry portable power banks in their cabin baggage and store them in the seat pocket, rather than in overhead compartments, so they remain easily accessible.
It follows Australian airlines banning the use of portable power banks from December 2024, following a series of international incidents – including a mid-air fire on a Virgin Australia service in July last year.
In force from December 1, Virgin Australia passengers must now keep power banks within sight and easily accessible at all times. The devices cannot be used or charged on board, and travellers will be restricted to two power banks, with units over 100 watt-hours requiring airline approval.
Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar followed on 15 December, limiting passengers to two power banks under 160 watt-hours each, carried only in cabin baggage.
Virgin and Qantas ban on portable power banks: What you need to know
The Fiji Airways decision follows a review of operational protocols regarding portable electronic accessories in line with the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations. By restricting the use of portable power banks, the airline aims to proactively manage potential risks and align with global best practices in aviation safety.
Guests are encouraged to visit the Fiji Airways website for a full list of items restricted onboard. Information about these changes will be communicated to customers ahead of their flights, at check-in and at the terminal from 19 January 2026.
This update forms part of Fiji Airways’ broader safety and operational protocols, reinforcing the airline’s reputation as a world-class carrier committed to the wellbeing of all those onboard.
Safety measure summary
- Onboard use of power banks – Prohibited
- Charging of power banks onboard – Prohibited, including via in-seat power or USB ports (where available)
- Power banks in checked luggage – Prohibited. Power banks must be stored within carry-on baggage
- Onboard storage of power banks – Power banks are to be stored inside the seat pocket and not in the overhead compartments, so they are easily accessible
- Maximum number of power banks – Up to two per person
- Maximum capacity of power banks – Each power bank must not exceed 100wh
- Smart Bags – Lithium batteries in smart bags must be removed and carried onboard; stowed the same way as power banks
