Virgin Australia flight met by firefighters after vape emits smoke over Melbourne
Mar 16th 2026
A Virgin Australia Boeing 737 was met by firefighters at Melbourne after smoke was seen coming from a vape onboard; the crew contained the device, pilots declared a PAN, and the aircraft landed safely with no injuries reported.
- Flight VA328 from Brisbane landed safely after a vape emitted smoke shortly before 4pm on Sunday.
- A passenger alerted crew, the device was contained, and pilots declared a PAN for an expedited arrival.
- Firefighters escorted the aircraft to the gate and removed the vape as a precaution, and all passengers disembarked normally.
- Vapes contain small lithium batteries that can overheat, catch fire, release toxic gas, or explode if damaged or faulty.
- Virgin says vapes must be carried in carry-on luggage and that aircraft carry equipment to suppress lithium battery fires.