An Air China passenger flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a lithium battery ignited in an overhead compartment, sending smoke and flames through the cabin. The mid-air incident occurred on Saturday, October 18, aboard Flight CA139, which had departed from Hangzhou, China, en route to Incheon International Airport near Seoul, South Korea.
Footage obtained by NBC News captured the alarming moment when smoke and fire erupted from an open overhead bin as panicked passengers alerted the cabin crew. In the video, two flight attendants can be seen rushing forward with fire extinguishers as travelers looked on anxiously.
According to France 24, Air China later confirmed the cause of the blaze in a statement on Weibo, saying: “A lithium battery spontaneously ignited in a passenger’s carry-on luggage stored in the overhead bin on flight CA139. The crew immediately handled the situation according to procedures, and no one was injured.”
The airline emphasized that the fire was quickly brought under control, and the crew followed emergency protocols precisely as trained.
Following the incident, Flight CA139 was diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for an unscheduled landing “to ensure flight safety,” Air China said. All passengers were reported safe, and no injuries occurred during the diversion or landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warns that lithium batteries can enter a dangerous state known as thermal runaway, a chain reaction of overheating that can lead to fire or explosion. This can occur when batteries are damaged, overcharged, exposed to heat or moisture, or improperly packed.
Everyday devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches, and portable chargers rely on lithium batteries, making them a frequent concern for aviation safety authorities.
Due to these risks, most airlines prohibit uninstalled lithium batteries in checked luggage, requiring them to be carried in cabin bags instead. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) similarly bans spare lithium batteries in checked baggage to minimize fire hazards in cargo holds.
This latest incident joins a growing list of in-flight fires caused by electronic devices. Similar emergencies have prompted diversions on Delta and American Airlines flights in recent years, underscoring the ongoing safety challenges posed by lithium batteries in air travel.
While Air China’s crew acted swiftly to prevent disaster, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of strict battery safety compliance and the potential dangers that can unfold thousands of feet above the ground.
