A lithium battery fire broke out mid-flight on Virgin Australia Flight VA1528 from Sydney to Hobart (Boeing 737-800 reg. VH-YID) Monday morning, filling the cabin with smoke and causing panic among passengers.
The fire ignited during the plane’s descent into Hobart around 09:00 after crew discovered a burning device in an overhead locker. Initial attempts to extinguish the flames with onboard fire extinguishers failed, but crew and passengers ultimately managed to put out the fire using water bottles.
Dramatic footage shows passengers being urged to move to the back of the aircraft as smoke spread.
The Boeing 737-800 landed safely, and firefighters boarded the plane to remove the bag containing the lithium battery. One person was treated for suspected smoke inhalation, and crew members were medically assessed and cleared.
Virgin Australia praised its crew’s “swift and professional” actions and confirmed that a replacement aircraft was arranged for the return flight to Sydney. The airline is also contacting passengers seated near the fire for follow-up.
The incident follows a similar battery-related fire on a South Korean flight earlier this year, raising renewed concerns about portable electronic devices in carry-on luggage.