A Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane to Melbourne was met by firefighters after a vape activated in the cabin, producing smoke. Flight VA 328 landed safely at Melbourne Airport on Sunday afternoon, with all passengers disembarking normally.
The crew was alerted by a passenger who noticed vapour and smoke from the device. They promptly contained the unit, and the pilots issued a 'pan' call—a less urgent signal than mayday but requiring expedited handling. Firefighters followed the aircraft to the gate and removed the device.
Vapes contain small lithium batteries that can undergo thermal runaway, causing fires when damaged or overheated. Virgin Australia requires vapes to be carried in hand luggage only. Dr Adam Best of the CSIRO noted that vape batteries are often of lower quality than those in power banks, lacking safety features and prone to failure, which can lead to fires or explosions.
A Virgin Australia spokesperson praised the crew's swift response, emphasising safety as the highest priority. The incident follows a similar event in July when a power bank ignited on a Virgin flight, prompting a policy change requiring power banks to be stowed in seat pockets or under seats.
