A Virgin Australia flight from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Melbourne Airport (MEL) was met by firefighters on Sunday afternoon, March 15, after smoke was seen coming from a vape device in the cabin.
Vape Activates Before Landing
Flight VA328, operated by a Boeing 737, landed safely at about 4 p.m. local time. All passengers disembarked normally after the incident, according to airport officials.
A passenger reportedly alerted cabin crew when vapour and smoke were seen coming from the electronic cigarette shortly before landing. The crew quickly moved to contain the device.
Pilots declared a “pan” call, signalling a situation requiring priority handling but considered less urgent than a mayday. As a precaution, airport firefighters followed the aircraft to the gate and removed the device once the aircraft had parked.
Lithium Battery Risk on Aircraft
Vapes contain lithium batteries, which can ignite if damaged or overheated in a process known as thermal runaway. Aviation authorities consider these devices a potential fire risk, particularly inside the confined environment of an aircraft cabin.
Dr Adam Best, a specialist in lithium battery technologies at CSIRO, said vape batteries are generally more prone to failure than those found in power banks.
Noting that many disposable vapes lack safety features that prevent overheating or accidental activation, he said,
“The quality of the batteries used in these devices is often lower.”
In severe cases, a malfunctioning battery can cause rapid temperature increases, fire, toxic gas release or even an explosion, he warned.
Airline Safety Measures Tightened
A Virgin Australia spokesperson said passenger and crew safety remains the airline’s top priority and praised staff for their swift response.
The incident follows another onboard lithium battery scare in July when a power bank ignited on a flight from Sydney Airport (SYD) to Hobart Airport (HBA). After that event, the airline changed its policy, requiring power banks to be stored in a seat pocket, under the seat in front, or kept on the passenger rather than in overhead lockers.
Under airline rules, vapes and e-cigarettes are permitted only in carry-on baggage and must not be placed in checked luggage.
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