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Date:
Monday, July 21, 2025
Time:
09:00 Local Time
Type of Aircraft:
Boeing 737-8FE (WL)
Owner/Operator:
Virgin Australia Regional
Registration:
VH-YFY
MSN:
41016/6494
Year of Manufacture:
2017
Engine Model:
CFM International CFM56-7B
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: Not specified
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Minor
Category:
Incident
Location:
North-northeast of Hobart Airport, TAS (HBA/YMHB) – Australia
Phase:
Approach
Nature:
Passenger – Scheduled
Departure Airport:
Sydney-Kingsford Smith International Airport, NSW (SYD/YSSY)
Destination Airport:
Hobart Airport, TAS (HBA/YMHB)
Investigating Agency:
Not specified
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
On July 21, 2025, Virgin Australia flight VA1528, a Boeing 737-8FE registered VH-YFY, experienced an in-flight fire in the passenger cabin while on approach to Hobart Airport, Tasmania.
Approximately 10 minutes prior to landing, passengers reported a smell of smoke. Cabin crew opened an overhead compartment and discovered flames coming from a passenger’s bag due to a lithium-ion battery experiencing thermal runaway. Witnesses observed fire and smoke billowing from the locker, prompting panic among nearby passengers.
Cabin crew initially attempted to suppress the fire using onboard extinguishers but ultimately used water to extinguish the flames. The burning item was secured in a containment bag. The flight continued its descent and landed safely at Hobart Airport at around 9:00am.
Upon landing, emergency services including Airservices Australia firefighters and paramedics met the aircraft. One person was treated for potential smoke inhalation. Flight crew and cabin staff were checked over and cleared.
Virgin Australia confirmed the aircraft was undergoing inspection and a replacement aircraft was being arranged for the return sector to Sydney. The airline’s guest services team reached out to passengers seated near the affected area.
The incident prompted a delay to the outbound flight from Hobart, but all other airport operations continued unaffected.
Sources:
Pulse Tasmania, Virgin Australia, Hobart Airport
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.