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 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.

The moves come amid growing concerns about the safety risks posed by lithium battery-powered

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