International and domestic passengers flying Qantas and Virgin will now be allowed to keep their electronic devices on during the flight.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approved applications from both airlines on Monday, which will allow passengers to use their mobile phones, music players and tablets during take-off and landing.
The devices will still need to remain in "flight-mode" for the duration of the flight. Flight-mode disables phone service which means passengers won't be able to recieve calls or text messages.
Previously, passengers had to turn off their electronic devices because they were considered a safety risk.
CASA said the change in regulations were due to advancements in technology that reduced the risk of mobile devices causing electronic interference.
Qantas Domestic Chief Executive Officer Lyell Strambi said the airline was confident the devices, when in flight mode, would have little impact on the airplane.
“Qantas has conducted rigorous testing to assess the impacts of electronic devices on the safe operation of aircraft," she said.
"We are confident that these devices are safe to be turned on, but in flight mode, for the duration of each flight.”
The policy applies to domestic and short-haul Virgin Australia flights and all domestic and international Qantas flights.
The United States, Europe and New Zealand already allowed phones to remain switched on during flights.
Other airlines operating in Australia were expected to implement similar measures.
