Australia Takes Action to Revise Virgin Australia’s In-Flight Battery Policy After Fire Scare

Published on July 22, 2025

Virgin Australia updates its in-flight battery policy after an alarming incident on one of its flights from Sydney to Hobart. A fire broke out in an overhead compartment on Flight VA1528, which led the airline to review its existing safety protocols for passengers carrying battery-powered devices. While the flight landed safely, the fire, believed to have been caused by a power bank, has prompted Virgin Australia to reconsider its regulations on the use of portable chargers onboard. The airline is collaborating with authorities like the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (“ATSB”) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (“CASA”) to investigate the incident.

Incident Overview: Fire in the Overhead Compartment

On Monday, Virgin Australia’s Flight VA1528 encountered a fire in an overhead locker while descending into Hobart. The fire was quickly contained, and the aircraft landed without incident. However, this alarming event has raised concerns about the safety of battery-powered devices, particularly power banks, during flights.

• The fire is believed to have been caused by a power bank stored in a passenger’s carry-on luggage.
• The airline is taking this situation seriously and has launched an investigation with key flight safety regulations bodies like the ATSB and CASA.

As part of its ongoing review, Virgin Australia has issued temporary guidelines urging passengers to keep power banks visible and easily accessible throughout the flight.

Review of Current Battery Guidelines

Currently, Virgin Australia’s policy requires passengers to carry power banks in the cabin rather than in checked luggage. This policy is designed to minimize the risk of fire by allowing the crew to respond quickly in the event of an emergency. However, following this recent fire, the airline is reevaluating its guidelines to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.

The airline has also asked passengers not to use power banks to charge devices during the flight. While this request is still in place, Virgin Australia is contemplating further revisions to its rules, including possibly tightening restrictions on power bank use.

Why Power Banks Are a Concern

Power banks have long been a source of concern for aviation authorities due to their potential fire hazards. When mishandled or improperly stored, these devices can overheat and catch fire. Many incidents have highlighted the risks of carrying power banks in overhead compartments, where they can easily be damaged or become a fire hazard if not handled correctly.

• The recent fire on Virgin Australia’s Flight VA1528 is not an isolated case. Earlier in 2025, an Air Busan aircraft was engulfed in flames after a power bank fire in an overhead locker.
• As a result, airlines such as Air Busan, Singapore Airlines, and others have imposed similar restrictions, prohibiting passengers from charging their devices using power banks during flights.

Industry-Wide Impact and Future Precautions

The issue of power banks and their potential dangers during flights is becoming an increasingly important topic in the airline industry. With the rise in the number of passengers carrying electronic devices, airlines are under pressure to implement stricter safety measures.

Several airlines have already adjusted their in-flight battery policies in response to incidents like the one on Virgin Australia’s Flight VA1528. For example, Air Busan introduced rules preventing passengers from charging their power banks via onboard USB ports and prohibiting the use of power banks to charge personal devices. These changes reflect the growing recognition of the risks posed by portable power sources and the importance of minimizing these risks in the aviation industry.

Other major airlines, such as Korean Air, Thai Airways, and Asiana Airlines, have also updated their policies to address power bank safety. Virgin Australia’s updates are expected to be in line with these measures, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.

Expert Opinions on Power Bank Safety

Experts in aviation safety, including Renos Rologas, General Manager at FCM Travel, have long raised concerns about the reliability of power banks on flights. Rologas noted that the increasing use of portable chargers has made it inevitable for airlines to update their safety procedures. According to him, it is crucial for airlines to stay ahead of potential risks as more passengers bring electronic devices on board.

As Virgin Australia updates its policies, other carriers are likely to follow suit, further strengthening safety measures around battery-powered devices. The ongoing investigation into the Fire VA1528 will likely provide important insights that could shape the future of in-flight battery use regulations.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Virgin Australia and the Industry?

Virgin Australia updates its in-flight battery policy in response to the fire on Flight VA1528, a move that reflects the airline’s dedication to ensuring the safety of all its passengers. As the investigation continues in collaboration with the ATSB and CASA, it is likely that further policy revisions will be implemented.

With airlines worldwide increasing their focus on the safe handling of portable power banks, it is clear that stricter safety measures are becoming the new norm. The evolving regulations are aimed at preventing further incidents and ensuring a safer flying experience for everyone on board.