Virgin Australia B738 at Melbourne on Mar 15th 2026, passenger device ignited

Last Update: March 17, 2026 / 15:52:46 GMT/Zulu time

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Incident Facts

Date of incident
Mar 15, 2026

Classification
Incident

Flight number
VA-328

Aircraft Registration
VH-YFU

Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-800

ICAO Type Designator
B738

A Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800, registration VH-YFU performing flight VA-328 from Brisbane,QL to Melbourne,VI (Australia), was descending towards Melbourne's runway 27 when a passenger's device caught fire. The aircraft went around, the device was secured and the aircraft continued for a safe landing on Melbourne's runway 34 about 15 minutes later. Emergency services followed the aircraft to the apron and removed the device.

The airline reported a passenger's vape ignited prompting an urgency call, emergency services were on standby for landing and accompanied the aircraft to the apron. Firefighters removed the device from the aircraft.

The aircraft resumed service after about 5 hours on the ground.

On Mar 17th 2026 the ATSB reported: "During descent, an e-cigarette in a passenger's pocket briefly ignited and the crew declared a PAN."
Incident Facts

Date of incident
Mar 15, 2026

Classification
Incident

Flight number
VA-328

Aircraft Registration
VH-YFU

Aircraft Type
Boeing 737-800

ICAO Type Designator
B738

This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
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