Fire on Virgin Australia flight: Blaze erupts mid-air on Sydney–Hobart route likely caused by power bank; airlines to review battery policies

A suspected fire triggered by a power bank in carry-on luggage forced emergency response aboard a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart on Monday, prompting the airline to review its lithium battery policies.The incident occurred during descent on Flight VA1528, when smoke and flames were seen emanating from an overhead locker.

Cabin crew swiftly extinguished the fire before the aircraft landed safely. Upon arrival, firefighters removed the affected bag from the compartment.No injuries to passengers or the flight crew was reported according to Virgin Australia, who issued a statement, quoted by The Guardian saying, “The safety of our guests and crew is always our highest priority, and we commend our cabin crew for their quick action in containing the event.

We would also like to thank the emergency services teams who met the aircraft upon arrival.”Matt Cocker, the Chief Operating Officer of Hobart Airport, stated that all passengers safely disembarked the aircraft and one person was assessed by paramedics for suspected smoke inhalation.The airline is now investigating the cause of the fire in coordination with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (Casa).

Virgin Australia indicated that the incident may lead to changes in its battery safety protocols.Currently, lithium-ion batteries, including power banks and spare batteries, are restricted to carry-on baggage. Casa has long advised passengers about the risks associated with lithium-powered devices, which can overheat, short-circuit, or ignite.Casa warns that “lithium battery fires can be difficult to extinguish” and says that typical Australian travellers now carry at least four rechargeable battery-powered devices.The agency has also clarified that while items like laptops or cameras may be stored in checked luggage if completely powered off, loose batteries and power banks must remain in cabin bags.According to Casa, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recorded a 92 per cent increase in lithium battery-related incidents between 2020 and 2022.The Hobart incident follows a January fire aboard an Air Busan Airbus in South Korea, which led to the full evacuation of 176 passengers and crew.

Investigators attributed that fire, which destroyed the aircraft, to a malfunctioning power bank.In response to growing concerns, several airlines, including Singapore Airlines, have introduced stricter rules. Singapore Airlines now bans power bank usage entirely during flights.Meanwhile, Virgin Australia said that it will “review its policies regarding the carriage of lithium battery-powered devices” to ensure enhanced safety for all travellers.