Qantas and Jetstar have announced new safety measures relating to the use of power banks onboard, with changes coming into effect from 15 December 2025 across all flights.

Under the updated policy, the use of power banks during flights will be prohibited. Charging power banks onboard will also not be permitted, including via in-seat power or USB ports where available. Travellers will still be able to carry power banks in their cabin baggage, with a limit of up to two devices per person, each not exceeding a maximum capacity of 160 watt hours.

The move aligns Qantas and Jetstar with a growing number of global airlines that have introduced similar restrictions following a series of safety incidents involving lithium batteries. These incidents have included batteries overheating or catching fire both onboard aircraft and within airport terminals.

Other airlines that have already implemented comparable measures include Virgin Australia, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, EVA Air and Korean Air.

Singapore Airlines is preparing to upgrade the lounge experience for travellers passing through Melbourne Airport, with plans confirmed for a brand new SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 2.

Construction will begin on a new-build lounge that will replace the existing downstairs facility with a significantly larger space on an upper level of the terminal. Once open in late 2026 or early 2027, the new lounge will offer around 30 per cent more space, helping to ease crowding ahead of Singapore Airlines’ five daily services to Singapore.

The refreshed lounge will feature a contemporary design inspired by Singapore Airlines’ newest SilverKris lounges in Perth, London Heathrow and Singapore Changi Terminal 2. Travellers can expect a more spacious, modern environment designed to elevate comfort before departure.

Access to the new Melbourne SilverKris Lounge will continue for business and first class passengers flying with Singapore Airlines, as well as eligible Star Alliance partner passengers including those travelling with Air New Zealand and Thai Airways. Frequent flyers with qualifying status will also retain lounge access.

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Qantas has officially launched new direct international services from Perth to Johannesburg and Auckland, strengthening the airline’s growing western international hub.

The new routes connect three continents through Perth and will add more than 150,000 seats annually, supporting jobs in Western Australia and boosting inbound tourism. The expansion has been made possible through additional border services funding, allowing Perth Airport to increase staffing, equipment and biosecurity capacity to host more international flights.

The Perth to Johannesburg service operates three times a week and offers onward connections to Cape Town and other African destinations through Qantas’ partnership with Airlink. The Perth to Auckland route also operates three times weekly and provides West Australians with improved connectivity, including one-stop access to New York via Auckland.

Both routes are operated by Qantas A330 aircraft, featuring lie-flat Business Class seating and Economy cabins designed for long-haul comfort.

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Virgin is gearing up for a bold new chapter in European travel.

On 30 October 2025, the company received the official green light to launch a rival high-speed international train service through the Channel Tunnel. Their vision is ambitious: to connect London St Pancras International with Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam by 2030, with plans to expand even further across the continent.

To bring the project to life, Virgin is preparing to order 12 state-of-the-art Avelia Stream trains. These sleek, energy-efficient trains promise a comfortable, modern and unmistakably Virgin travel experience. Think faster journeys, elevated onboard comfort and a fresh competitive edge for cross-Channel travel.

A key milestone has already been reached with approval to use the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London.

“The regulator has confirmed Virgin can move ahead with our plans to use the Temple Mills International rail depot in East London. This is a crucial step that puts us on track (mind the pun) to introduce competition through the Channel Tunnel,” explained Sir Richard Branson.

It’s still early days, but the tracks are being laid for something transformative. Virgin Trains is aiming to bring its signature sparkle to European rail travel and can’t wait to welcome travellers on board.

Image credit: Harry Kinnaird