An Air China Airbus A321-200 was forced to make an emergency landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on Saturday after a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on luggage caught fire mid-flight.

The incident occurred on flight CA139, en route from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN). No injuries were reported, and the aircraft landed safely, according to Air China and international media.

Approximately 20 minutes after takeoff, a lithium battery stored in a passenger’s carry-on bag in an overhead compartment overheated and ignited, triggering an in-flight emergency. The cabin crew acted swiftly, extinguishing the fire and securing the situation in line with safety protocols. The flight crew then diverted the aircraft to Shanghai Pudong, the nearest major airport, landing safely about 40 minutes after departure.

In a statement posted on Weibo, Air China confirmed the incident: “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 airline praised the crew’s quick response and emphasized that passenger safety was prioritized throughout the incident.

Preliminary investigations by Chinese aviation authorities suggest the fire originated from a portable power bank that was improperly stored in the carry-on luggage. While the exact cause of the ignition is still under review, early reports indicate the device may have been damaged or faulty. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has launched a full investigation into the incident, focusing on compliance with lithium battery transport regulations.

All 145 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated upon landing at Shanghai Pudong. The aircraft was inspected for damage, and Air China arranged a replacement flight to transport passengers to Seoul later that day. The airline has also pledged to cooperate fully with authorities and is reviewing its safety protocols for handling lithium-ion batteries onboard.

This incident highlights growing concerns about the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in air travel. Such batteries, commonly found in devices like smartphones, laptops, and power banks, can ignite if damaged, overheated, or improperly handled. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has strict guidelines limiting the carriage of lithium batteries in checked and carry-on luggage, and airlines worldwide have intensified efforts to educate passengers on these regulations.

Air China has urged passengers to follow safety guidelines, including keeping lithium battery-powered devices in carry-on luggage, ensuring they are powered off, and reporting any damaged or overheating devices to crew members immediately. The incident has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of battery safety protocols at airports globally.

The safe resolution of the incident was credited to the professionalism of the Air China crew and the effectiveness of onboard safety measures. The CAAC and Air China are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses. (ILKHA)