An Air China flight traveling from Hangzhou, China, to Seoul, South Korea, had to make an emergency landing in Shanghai on Saturday due to a lithium battery catching fire in an overhead cabin bag, as reported by local media. The incident was captured in a video that has since gained popularity on social media.
Flight CA139, which departed Hangzhou at 9:47 am local time, was en route to Incheon International Airport with an expected arrival time of 12:20 pm, according to a South China Morning Post report.
The flight was diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport after a passenger’s lithium battery in the overhead compartment ignited unexpectedly. Air China confirmed the incident in a social media statement, stating that the battery ignited spontaneously during the flight, prompting the crew to quickly respond and safely land the plane in Shanghai.
A video circulating online, reportedly filmed by a passenger, showed passengers and cabin crew working together to extinguish the flames coming from the overhead compartment. Passengers were heard urging the crew to act swiftly in Korean, and one passenger mentioned hearing a loud noise before the fire erupted.
This incident highlights the ongoing safety risks associated with lithium batteries, which have been linked to several inflight fires in Asia in recent years. Authorities have reported similar incidents involving lithium batteries causing fires on flights, prompting China to implement stricter regulations on their usage.
Air China praised its crew for their prompt response in managing the fire and ensuring the safety of all passengers on board. The airline confirmed that there were no injuries reported and that no further flight disruptions occurred following the emergency landing. The flight, originally bound for Seoul, was rescheduled, and affected passengers were accommodated on alternative services, as per the South China Morning Post report.