“We have immediately initiated an investigation into the cause of a small fire originating from a passenger’s carry-on luggage in an overhead locker during descent on flight VA1528,” Virgin said.
“Any relevant findings from this investigation may inform permanent changes to our battery policy to ensure the safety of our guests and team members.”
The safety of lithium-ion batteries used in mobile phones and power banks has come under scrutiny by air safety experts.
The batteries can sometimes enter “thermal runaway” – a process in which the energy of the battery is released in a way that causes further increase in temperature, leading to an explosion or fire.
In April, CASA urged travellers to pack power banks and spare batteries in their carry-on items “as part of an increased focus on reducing in-flight safety risks”.
“The average passenger now travels with at least 4 lithium battery devices,” CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence said.
“Sometimes power banks and spare batteries can short-circuit and catch fire. Carrying them with you in the cabin means trained aircrew can handle any issue quickly and safely.”
The US Federal Aviation Administration warned passengers in 2023 not to fully charge their devices for a flight because of increased cabin fire risk.
The incident occurred as the flight approached Hobart.Credit: Getty Images
Yet the thinking on the safety of rechargeable batteries is still evolving. Many modern planes feature personal charging ports in seats.
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In June, Virgin Australia was rated the fourth-safest airline in the world by AirlineRatings.com.
Air New Zealand was ranked No.1, followed by Qantas, and Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Emirates shared third spot.
The ranking evaluates serious incidents over the past two years, the age and size of the airline fleet and the rate of incidents.
Virgin, as part of its initial public offering strategy, has moved to simplify its fleet structure and use a wet-lease agreement to essentially outsource long-haul flying to part-owner Qatar Airways.
