A fire that started on a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart, which is suspected to have been caused by a power bank in a passenger’s carry-on luggage, has prompted the airline to consider adjusting its policies regarding batteries. The Virgin flight VA1528 was in descent towards Hobart when a fire began in an overhead storage compartment, as per a spokesperson for the airline.
A video captured on-board, which was reported by online news outlet Pulse Tasmania, showcased a flight attendant employing a fire extinguisher on a smoking bag as passengers attempted to assist with their water bottles. Before the plane’s landing, cabin crew managed to put out the fire, and upon touching down, airport firefighters removed the bag from the compartment.
Virgin prioritizes safety, as indicated by their spokesperson, adding that they are grateful for the prompt and professional actions of their crew, as well as the support from Airservices Australia firefighters.
None of the flight crew or passengers endured injuries. However, Hobart airport’s chief operating officer, Matt Cocker, stated that all passengers had successfully disembarked the aircraft, with one individual being evaluated by paramedics for potential smoke inhalation.
An investigation is being conducted by Virgin with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Normally, spare lithium batteries, including power banks, are only permitted in carry-on baggage due to the fire hazard.
Virgin may revise its battery policy based on the results of the investigation, as announced by the airline. An estimated average of four rechargeable lithium battery devices per Australian passenger was noted by CASA, which had previously cautioned travelers about the perils of flying with battery-powered items and urged passengers to store them securely.
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Remember, battery-powered devices like laptops and cameras can be placed in checked luggage but only if they are completely turned off. Spare batteries and power banks must always reside in carry-on luggage due to the potential fire risk.
In 2022, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) observed a 92% surge in lithium-ion battery incidents compared to 2020, as stated by CASA. In January, an Air Busan Airbus caught fire on the tarmac in South Korea before takeoff, leading to the evacuation of all 169 passengers and seven crew members, with investigators attributing the fire to a defective power bank.
These incidents have led several airlines, including Singapore Airlines, to strengthen their rules regarding the carrying of lithium batteries on flights.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/22/fire-in-overhead-locker-on-virgin-australia-flight-believed-to-be-caused-by-lithium-battery-in-power-bank
