Passenger’s Powerbank Caught Fire, 150 People Evacuated

The Qantas Business Lounge at Melbourne Airport in Australia was evacuated on Thursday morning following a powerbank explosion.

Approximately 150 people were safely evacuated from the area, while a 50-year-old passenger was taken to hospital with burns to his legs and fingers.

The incident occurred in the airport’s international terminal. Witnesses reported that the device in the passenger’s pocket suddenly overheated, then caught fire, releasing thick smoke.

A Qantas spokesperson said in a statement, “The lounge was evacuated as a precaution, and after cleaning operations were completed in coordination with Melbourne Airport teams, the area was reopened for service.”

Lithium Battery Safety Back in the Spotlight

Following the incident, safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in aviation have once again become a topic of discussion.

Qantas and other airlines have already tightened restrictions on such devices.

In July, Virgin Australia announced a review of its battery policies after a powerbank caused a fire in a passenger’s luggage on a Sydney–Hobart flight.

Aviation experts emphasise that powerbanks and portable chargers should be carried in the cabin, but when they overheat or suffer impact damage, they can pose a fire hazard.

Incident Occurred Ahead of Qantas Management’s Annual General Meeting

The powerbank incident occurred a day before Qantas management held its annual general meeting.

During the meeting, airline executives met with investors to discuss pricing policies, data breaches, and performance reports.

Qantas Chairman John Mullen, responding to shareholder questions, noted that most investors were satisfied with the company’s recovery over the past two years.

Advisory firm Glass Lewis had previously recommended that investors vote against executive pay plans due to data security concerns.

At the meeting, shareholder Chris Maxworthy stated, “Qantas has come a long way in the past two years. It’s now focusing not just on numbers but also on people.”

Qantas shares are trading around AUD 9.50 — roughly double their lowest levels in 2023.