Virgin could update in-flight battery use policy following aircraft fire
By Sarah Falson
Updated July 22 2025 - 2:03pm, first published 12:58pm Subscribe now for unlimited access.
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Flight VA1528 landed safely at Hobart Airport on Monday after a fire in an overhead locker was discovered during the aircraft's descent.
A Virgin Australia spokesperson said the airline had initiated an investigation into the fire that originated from a passenger's carry-on luggage stored overhead.
"This investigation, conducted with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is ongoing," the spokesperson 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 cause of the fire is believed to be a power bank in a passenger's bag.
A portable charger. Picture by Gomi/Unsplash
As a precautionary measure, Virgin Australia is conducting a simultaneous review of the carriage and use of power banks on board.
They have also asked that guests travelling with power banks keep them within sight and easily accessible at all times throughout the flight.
They are encouraging guests not to use power banks to charge devices while on board.
The current policy states all guests travelling with power banks are required to carry them into the cabin.
Other airlines followed suit with their own power bank rules including Singapore Airlines and its Scoot subsidiary, EVA Air, Korean Airlines, China Airlines, Thai Airways and Asiana Airlines.
FCM Travel (owned by Flight Centre) general manager ANZ Renos Rologas told ACM (the publisher of this masthead) in April it was only a matter of time before other airlines followed suit.
"There has long been concern of the safety and reliability of portable chargers, and we're starting to see carriers take extra precautions beyond the aviation industry's current requirements," Mr Rologas said.
Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
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Virgin Australia asks passengers to keep power banks in sight after suspected midair battery fire
Virgin Australia has urged passengers to keep power banks in sight during flights after a suspected midair lithium battery fire in an overhead locker. On Monday, a fire broke out on flight VA1528 from Sydney to Hobart as the plane began to land. Passengers reported smelling smoke, and when cabin crew opened the overhead compartment, they found a lithium battery on fire. The crew extinguished the fire before landing, and the bag containing the battery was removed once the plane was on the ground. No injuries were reported, and passengers disembarked safely after the aircraft landed at Hobart Airport. The airline believes the fire was caused by a power bank in a passenger's bag. A Virgin Australia spokesperson said an investigation began immediately. '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 on Monday (21 July),' the spokesperson said. 'This investigation, conducted with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is ongoing. 'Any relevant findings from this investigation may inform permanent changes to our battery policy to ensure the safety of our guests and team members.' Following the incident, the airline is reviewing its policy on passengers having and using power banks on board flights. Passengers have been asked to keep power banks within sight and easily accessible throughout the flight, and are also encouraged not to use them to charge devices while on board. Under the airline's existing policy, all guests must carry power banks in the cabin. Peter Carter, an aviation lawyer and director of Carter Capner Law, said airlines need to take stronger steps to protect passenger safety. 'When it comes to serious on board incidents ultimately the airline is responsible for any resulting injuries, including smoke inhalation,' he said. 'Perhaps the airlines need to ask more questions and do more when it comes to on board safety. 'Given this could have erupted into a dangerous blaze very quickly, aviation authorities should be putting this incident under the microscope. 'While this is a pretty rare circumstance I have no doubt ATSB and CASA will turn their attention to this incident and we should trust their assessment on what should happen going forward.' Power banks are portable battery chargers designed to power devices on-the-go. They use rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries that are highly flammable, can explode or vent toxic gas, said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Virgin could update in-flight battery use policy following aircraft fire
A woman charges her phone with a portable charger while waiting at an airport. Shutterstock By Sarah Falson Updated July 22 2025 - 2:03pm, first published 12:58pm Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area Flight VA1528 landed safely at Hobart Airport on Monday after a fire in an overhead locker was discovered during the aircraft's descent. A Virgin Australia spokesperson said the airline had initiated an investigation into the fire that originated from a passenger's carry-on luggage stored overhead. "This investigation, conducted with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is ongoing," the spokesperson 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 cause of the fire is believed to be a power bank in a passenger's bag. A portable charger. Picture by Gomi/Unsplash As a precautionary measure, Virgin Australia is conducting a simultaneous review of the carriage and use of power banks on board. They have also asked that guests travelling with power banks keep them within sight and easily accessible at all times throughout the flight. They are encouraging guests not to use power banks to charge devices while on board. The current policy states all guests travelling with power banks are required to carry them into the cabin. Other airlines followed suit with their own power bank rules including Singapore Airlines and its Scoot subsidiary, EVA Air, Korean Airlines, China Airlines, Thai Airways and Asiana Airlines. FCM Travel (owned by Flight Centre) general manager ANZ Renos Rologas told ACM (the publisher of this masthead) in April it was only a matter of time before other airlines followed suit. "There has long been concern of the safety and reliability of portable chargers, and we're starting to see carriers take extra precautions beyond the aviation industry's current requirements," Mr Rologas said. Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
The Advertiser
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Cheaper prices, fewer people: why Aussies are embracing off-season travel
Camping at a Reflections Holidays park in Australia. By Sarah Falson Updated July 22 2025 - 12:24pm, first published 12:30pm A growing percentage of Aussies are turning their backs on popular European summer in favour of "off-season" travel. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area The off-season and shoulder season market is growing as tourism operators spruik the benefits of avoiding the peak travel months in Australia and abroad. These can include fewer crowds, cheaper prices and less impact on the environment. Holland America Line's ANZ director of sales, Alex Pikardt, said the organisation had expanded its 2026 Europe cruise season by six weeks to allow more people to cruise outside European summer. Popular off-season destinations are Norway during the winter for a chance to see the Northern Lights, and Belgium for its picturesque streets and Christmas markets which can be visited outside the peak Christmas holiday season. A Holland America Line ship cruising through Norwegian fjords. Mr Pikardt said shorter lines at iconic sites during the off-season meant "a more authentic, less hurried atmosphere" for travellers. The reduced number of ships competing for dock space allowed for extended shore visits. Wendy Wu Tours Australia managing director, Simon Bell, said the company had a 30 per cent growth year-on-year in passengers travelling to Japan during the northern hemisphere summer. Japan's peak season is March to April when the cherry blossoms are blooming, and October and November when the autumn leaves turn. May and September are also popular for sumo wrestling tournaments. Mount Fuji, as seen from a Wendy Wu tour in summer. During the off-season from June to August, travellers can enjoy festivals including Kyoto's Gion Matsuri. Travelling during the off-season also helps to tackle overtourism by spreading travellers out throughout the year. "Travelling in the off-season not only offers a more enjoyable and relaxed experience, with fewer crowds and more breathing room, but also plays a key role in reducing pressure on heavily visited destinations," Mr Bell said. "It allows travellers to engage more deeply with local culture, while helping to distribute tourism more evenly throughout the year." Extending school holidays For East Coast Car Rentals CMO, Ben Whitmore, the big benefit of embracing the off-season is the cheaper prices and therefore the opportunity to extend the holiday. He said Aussies are feeling fatigue from "revenge travel", and with interest rates and household costs rising, they are looking for easier, more affordable escapes - like a domestic road trip. Road tripping. Picture: Shutterstock "There's definitely been a shift in how Aussies are travelling - and it's happening pretty quickly," Mr Whitmore said, adding the idea of "peak season" is starting to fade as Aussies look for better value. East Coast Rentals has had a 20 per cent rise in visits to the sites and cars are being rented for 20 per cent longer compared to last year. He said this was "a sign that Aussies are embracing more leisurely, family-style holidays and taking the journey at a slower, more relaxed pace." Reflections Holidays CEO, Nick Baker, said the organisation's Australian east coast holiday parks don't have "much of an off-season" but attract different kinds of travellers. "Outside of summer and school holidays, our coastal parks tend to shift from families to a more relaxed pace, welcoming grey nomads, couples, solo adventurers, and those seeking a peaceful nature escape," Mr Baker said. A Reflections Holidays glamping tent. "Many people also look inland during the off-season, to enjoy activities such as hikes and fishing in the cooler months. "The atmosphere is generally quieter and more serene, making it ideal for those who want to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy uninterrupted time outdoors." Reflections was forecasting a 10 per cent increase in winter bookings compared to the same period last year, which represents approximately an additional 20,000 winter guests. His top tips for enjoying the winter months either camping, caravanning or staying in a cabin were to pack layers - including thermals, waterproof jackets and extra bedding - put your screens away so you can make the most of nature, and get to know your camping neighbours to build a sense of community, and hopefully memories. "Many of the people you meet in the off-season will be camping enthusiasts and there is always something to talk, laugh about and even learn about for your next trip," he said. Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
