A man in his 50s caught fire at Melbourne Airport’s Qantas business lounge after a lithium power bank overheated in his pocket, forcing the evacuation of about 150 people. He was treated for burns and released from hospital, prompting a review of airline policies on such devices.
On Thursday morning, November 6, 2025, a shocking incident occurred in the international Qantas business lounge at Melbourne Airport when a portable power bank ignited while in a man’s pocket. The device burst into flames, causing his clothing to catch fire and filling the area with smoke. Staff quickly assisted the man into a shower to extinguish the flames, while other travelers were evacuated due to the dense smoke and strong odor.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos, with screams heard across the lounge. Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes, who was present, reported seeing battery acid flying everywhere and shared an image of the charred power bank on social media. She praised the quick response of staff and a fellow passenger who helped the man, expressing hope for his recovery.
The man sustained burns to his leg and fingers from the incident. Ambulance Victoria paramedics arrived at the airport around 11:10 am and provided initial treatment. He was then taken to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition and was later released, according to reports from reliable sources like BBC and The Age.
Approximately 150 people were evacuated from the lounge as a safety precaution. Qantas staff worked with Melbourne Airport authorities to clean the area, and the lounge was reopened about two hours after the incident. Firefighters also attended the scene to ensure no further risks remained.
This event is part of a growing concern over the safety of lithium-ion batteries in air travel. In July, a Virgin Australia flight experienced a fire due to a power bank in an overhead locker, leading the airline to reconsider its policies. Similarly, a January incident in South Korea where a power bank caused a plane fire injured 27 people, prompting new restrictions there.
Qantas is now reviewing its policy on passengers carrying lithium batteries, including power banks, and is expected to provide an update soon. Other airlines, such as Emirates, have implemented bans on using power banks during flights. The International Air Transport Association is raising awareness about the risks, as many travelers are unaware of the dangers, such as packing devices in checked luggage.