SHANGHAI/BEIJING – An Air China flight bound for Incheon International Airport in South Korea was forced to make an emergency landing in Shanghai on Saturday after a lithium battery in a passenger's carry-on luggage spontaneously ignited in the cabin. The quick response of the flight crew ensured that no injuries were reported despite the dramatic mid-air incident.
The flight, CA139, an Airbus A321, had departed from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) at 9:47 a.m. local time, heading for Incheon (ICN). Approximately an hour and a half into the flight, at about 11:05 a.m., the aircraft made an unscheduled landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Social media footage and eyewitness accounts detailed the alarming scene on board. Videos circulated online showed bright flames and thick black smoke emanating from an overhead storage compartment as passengers reacted with cries of alarm and the cabin crew rushed to manage the crisis. One passenger reported hearing a "pop" before the fire erupted and flames shot out.
Air China confirmed the incident in a statement released on social media, specifying that "a lithium battery spontaneously ignited in a passenger's carry-on luggage stored in the overhead bin." The airline commended the crew's swift action, stating they "immediately handled the situation according to procedures, and no one was injured." The diversion to Shanghai was made "to ensure flight safety."
After the successful landing and a necessary aircraft adjustment, the flight resumed its journey. It departed Shanghai at 3:03 p.m. and arrived at Incheon International Airport at 5:34 p.m.
The incident underscores the persistent and growing threat that lithium-ion batteries—commonly found in power banks, mobile phones, and laptops—pose to aviation safety. Lithium batteries can undergo a process called "thermal runaway," an uncontrollable chemical reaction that leads to extreme heat, smoke, and fire, often due to manufacturing defects, damage, or improper handling. While international regulations typically require spare lithium batteries and power banks to be carried in the cabin, not checked baggage, to allow the crew to quickly address any thermal event, the potential for spontaneous combustion remains a critical concern.
In response to a spate of such fires, Chinese authorities have already intensified safety measures. Starting June 28 of this year, the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) prohibited the carriage of power banks lacking the country's '3C' safety certification mark on all domestic flights. This latest event is expected to renew scrutiny on the enforcement of these regulations, especially on international routes, and potentially lead to further global tightening of rules regarding the transport of these highly energetic devices. Aviation safety experts consistently advise passengers to protect battery terminals, avoid overcharging, and immediately report any damaged or overheating devices to the flight crew.
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