An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul was forced to make an emergency landing in Shanghai on Saturday after a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on bag caught fire mid-air, the airline confirmed.
Flight CA139 had taken off from Hangzhou at 9:47 am local time when smoke and flames were detected coming from an overhead bin. The fire was caused by a lithium-ion battery that had spontaneously ignited inside a passenger’s luggage. Cabin crew acted swiftly, following standard emergency procedures to contain the fire before it could spread. No injuries were reported.
The aircraft, an Airbus A321-232, was diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, where it landed safely shortly after 11:00 am. Passengers were evacuated, and emergency teams met the plane upon arrival.
Images published by Chinese media outlet Jimu News showed thick smoke and flames billowing from an overhead compartment. At least one passenger was seen assisting crew members in extinguishing the fire before the plane landed.
Data from Flightradar24 confirmed that the plane had turned around over the sea before heading to Shanghai. After landing, Air China arranged a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Seoul.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Early indications suggest the fire may have resulted from a malfunction or overheating of the lithium-ion battery, leading to what is known as thermal runaway — a chain reaction that can cause such batteries to ignite.
This incident adds to growing concerns about the risks associated with carrying lithium batteries on commercial flights. While most airlines, including Air China, permit small batteries in carry-on bags, such devices must meet strict safety guidelines. Items such as power banks, if damaged or defective, can pose a serious threat to cabin safety.
Air China reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority and that all onboard safety protocols were properly followed during the incident.
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