A Virgin Australia flight (VA 328) arriving from Brisbane to Melbourne had to be met by firefighters at Melbourne airport after smoke emitted from a vape onboard. The incident occurred as the aircraft was preparing to land at approximately 4pm on Sunday. According to reports, a passenger noticed smoke and vapour coming from their vape and promptly alerted the flight crew, who acted swiftly to mitigate the situation.

Authorities stated that the pilots declared a 'pan' call, indicating a situation that required priority but was not an emergency. This prompted firefighters to follow the aircraft to the gate for safety reasons. They were ready to respond and subsequently removed the vape device from the plane upon its arrival. Passengers were able to disembark safely and without incident, underscoring that the airline's operations continued smoothly following the alert.

In a statement, Virgin Australia emphasized its commitment to passenger safety, thanking the crew for their quick response in handling the situation. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the use of vaping devices on flights, as they can potentially pose safety risks due to battery malfunctions or overheating, reminding passengers of the necessity to adhere to safety regulations concerning electronic devices.