An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul was forced to make an emergency landing on Saturday after a lithium battery caught fire inside an overhead cabin. The incident, which occurred mid-flight, caused panic among passengers and crew, with dramatic videos of the blaze quickly going viral on social media.
According to reports from the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Flight CA139 departed from Hangzhou at 9:47 am local time and was bound for South Korea’s Incheon International Airport. However, the flight diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport after smoke and flames were seen coming from an overhead luggage compartment.
Crew’s Quick Response Prevents Major Disaster
Air China released a statement confirming that the fire originated from a lithium battery stored in a passenger’s carry-on bag inside the overhead bin. The airline said, “On October 18, on flight CA139 from Hangzhou to Incheon, a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on luggage stored in the overhead compartment spontaneously ignited.”
The crew responded immediately, using onboard fire extinguishers to put out the flames before they could spread. No passengers or crew members were injured. “To ensure flight safety, the plane had to make an unscheduled landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport,” Air China said in its statement.
A video recorded by a passenger captured the chaos inside the cabin as crew members battled the flames. Passengers could be heard shouting “hurry up” in Korean as smoke filled the air. The footage, widely shared on Weibo and X (formerly Twitter), showed how swiftly the cabin crew contained the situation.
Passengers Describe Terrifying Moments
Several passengers described hearing a loud “bang” moments before seeing smoke and fire. One traveler told local news outlet Shanghai Observer that flames suddenly erupted from the overhead compartment, causing people nearby to panic. The incident led to a brief period of chaos before the situation was brought under control.
Despite the frightening moments, passengers praised the Air China crew for their quick and professional response. “They acted immediately and prevented what could have been a disaster,” one passenger said after safely landing in Shanghai.
Flight Diverted Safely to Shanghai Pudong
The Air China aircraft made an emergency landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, where emergency services were on standby. Firefighters and airport safety personnel boarded the plane immediately to inspect the affected area and ensure no further risks remained.
Following the incident, passengers were safely evacuated and later rebooked on other flights to Seoul. The airline confirmed that there were no disruptions to other scheduled flights after the emergency landing.
Lithium Battery Fires: A Growing Aviation Concern
The Air China battery fire highlights a growing global concern over the safety of lithium batteries on flights. These batteries, commonly used in electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and power banks, are known to occasionally overheat or ignite under certain conditions.
Over the past few years, Asia has reported several similar incidents. In May 2025, a China Southern Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Shenzhen had to return shortly after takeoff when smoke was detected from a passenger’s camera battery. Earlier in January, a South Korean Air Busan flight experienced a fire caused by a spare power bank, resulting in minor injuries to several passengers.
In response to such incidents, China’s Civil Aviation Administration has implemented stricter regulations governing the transport and use of lithium batteries on airplanes. Passengers are required to carry batteries in hand luggage, but many airlines warn against storing them in overhead compartments where they can overheat unnoticed.
Air China’s Statement and Safety Measures
Air China emphasized that the safety of passengers remains its highest priority. “Our crew handled the situation in strict accordance with safety procedures,” the airline said. It added that the aircraft underwent a thorough safety inspection before being cleared for future flights.
The airline also reminded passengers to follow guidelines for carrying electronic devices and power banks, urging them to keep batteries turned off and stored properly during flights.
Conclusion: Swift Action Prevents Tragedy
Thanks to the quick actions of Air China’s crew, a potentially catastrophic situation was averted. The battery fire incident aboard Flight CA139 serves as another reminder of the risks associated with lithium batteries and the importance of aviation safety regulations.
As air travel continues to increase worldwide, airlines are stepping up measures to educate passengers about the safe handling of personal electronics. While no injuries were reported in this case, the event underscores why vigilance and strict adherence to safety rules are essential to prevent similar scares in the future.