SYDNEY/HOBART: A Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart faced a mid-air emergency on Monday after a fire believed to be caused by a power bank broke out in an overhead locker, prompting swift action from the cabin crew and renewed scrutiny over the safety of lithium battery-powered devices on flights.
The blaze occurred during the descent of Flight VA1528, when smoke and visible flames were detected coming from carry-on luggage stored above passenger seats. Flight attendants acted quickly, extinguishing the fire before the plane landed safely in Hobart. Emergency responders, including airport firefighters, met the aircraft on arrival and removed the smouldering bag.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, although one person was assessed for possible smoke inhalation, according to Hobart Airport Chief Operating Officer Matt Cocker. Virgin Australia praised the crew’s rapid response, stating:
“The safety of our guests and crew is always our highest priority. We commend our cabin crew for their quick action in containing the event and thank the emergency services teams who responded at Hobart Airport.”
An investigation into the incident is now underway in coordination with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Virgin Australia also confirmed it would re-examine its policies regarding lithium-ion batteries and related devices.
Currently, regulations permit power banks and spare batteries only in carry-on baggage, not checked luggage. CASA has long warned of the risks associated with lithium-powered items, noting their potential to overheat, short-circuit, and ignite—particularly when damaged or poorly manufactured.
“Lithium battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish,” CASA has stated, adding that the average Australian passenger travels with at least four rechargeable electronic devices. While items like laptops and cameras may be placed in checked baggage if fully powered off, power banks and loose batteries must remain in cabin luggage.
Data from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed a 92% spike in lithium battery-related incidents between 2020 and 2022—a trend raising alarm in the aviation industry.
This incident follows a similar case in January, when a fire caused by a faulty power bank aboard an Air Busan flight in South Korea led to the full evacuation of 176 people and resulted in severe aircraft damage.
In response to such incidents, airlines including Singapore Airlines have already tightened their rules, with some banning the in-flight use of power banks entirely.
Virgin Australia said it will now “review its policies regarding the carriage of lithium battery-powered devices” to enhance safety measures and reduce the risk of future incidents.
