A Series of Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents at Melbourne Airport
Over 18 months, a string of incidents involving lithium-ion battery-powered devices disrupted flights and lounges at Melbourne Airport, prompting major airlines to overhaul safety policies.
Incident 1: Virgin Australia Flight VA697 – Engine Issue (June 2026)
On June 15, 2026, Virgin Australia flight VA697, a Boeing 737-800, returned to Melbourne Airport after the crew reported an engine issue. The flight, which had departed for Perth at 6:05 PM, landed safely at approximately 6:50 PM local time, 44 minutes after takeoff.
A Melbourne Airport spokesperson confirmed all passengers disembarked safely. Virgin Australia Chief Operations Officer Chris Snook stated the landing was caused by a technical issue and apologized for the disruption. Firefighters and paramedics attended the scene as per standard procedures. No evidence of an engine fire was reported.
Incident 2: Power Bank Fire in Qantas Business Lounge
"A man in his 50s sustained burns to his leg and fingers when a lithium power bank in his possession ignited."
On Thursday morning, a man in his 50s sustained burns to his leg and fingers when a lithium power bank in his possession ignited at the Qantas business lounge at Melbourne International Airport. The incident produced smoke, leading to the evacuation of approximately 150 individuals.
Lounge staff assisted the man into a shower. Paramedics treated his injuries, and he was transported to a hospital in stable condition before being released. A Qantas spokesperson confirmed the lounge was cleaned and resumed operations two hours later. A witness account published by The Age noted liquid discharge from the battery. Australian film producer Leanne Tonkes posted an image of the damaged power bank online.
Qantas is currently reviewing its policies regarding passengers carrying lithium batteries. This event followed a July incident where a power bank in an overhead locker was identified as the cause of a fire on a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart. Virgin Australia is also updating its policy, advising customers to keep power banks accessible during flights. A power bank was also determined to be the probable cause of a passenger plane fire in South Korea in January. Several international airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines, have implemented prohibitions on the use and charging of power banks during flights.
Incident 3: Vape Fire on Virgin Australia Flight VA328 (First Incident)
A vape device ignited on Virgin Australia flight VA328 as it prepared to land at Melbourne Airport on a Sunday at approximately 4:30 PM. The flight, a Boeing 737, was traveling from Brisbane.
The pilots issued a PAN call, indicating a serious but not immediately life-threatening situation requiring assistance. Emergency services were placed on standby in Melbourne. The aircraft landed safely at approximately 4:45 PM and taxied to the gate. Aviation Rescue Firefighters followed the aircraft as a precautionary measure and removed the device from the plane.
Virgin Australia confirmed the vape activated in the cabin and commended the crew's swift response in containing the device. No injuries to passengers or crew were reported.
Australian regulations permit carrying vapes in carry-on luggage but prohibit them in checked baggage.
Airlines, including Virgin Australia, require these devices to be protected from accidental activation and prohibit their use or recharging onboard. Spare batteries for vapes must be carried in protected individual packaging in carry-on luggage.
Incident 4: Vape Fire on Another Virgin Australia Flight (July)
A separate incident occurred in July when a vape ignited on a Virgin Australia flight from Sydney to Hobart. Virgin Australia subsequently implemented restrictions in December prohibiting the use of power banks during flights and imposing limits on their number and size for passengers. Qantas also adopted similar restrictions.
Lithium Battery Safety Context
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) advises that spare batteries for electronic cigarettes should be kept in their original retail packaging or stored separately in protected pouches or plastic bags to prevent short circuits. Vapes are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which carry risks of overheating, fire, or explosion if damaged, overcharged, or exposed to temperature stress.
Dr. Adam Best, a specialist in advanced lithium battery technologies at the CSIRO, stated that vape batteries are often of lower quality than those in power banks, particularly in disposable units, and many lack safety features such as lock-out mechanisms. Virgin Australia aircraft are equipped with devices to suppress fires caused by lithium batteries in thermal runaway.