On board Flight CA139 from Hangzhou to Seoul, a lithium battery in an overhead compartment caught fire mid-air, forcing an urgent diversion to Shanghai Pudong Airport.
What Happened
A fire broke out aboard Air China Flight CA139 shortly after it departed from Hangzhou, China, bound for Seoul, South Korea. According to airline statements, the blaze started when a lithium-battery device stored in a passenger’s overhead compartment ignited.
Passenger-recorded video shows orange flames and thick smoke pouring from the overhead bin as cabin crew rushed to use fire extinguishers.
Emergency Response & Landing
The aircraft was at cruising altitude when the incident occurred. Crew members promptly diverted the plane to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for an emergency landing. There were no reported injuries among the passengers or crew.
Upon landing, the fire was confirmed extinguished and the aircraft was inspected before onward arrangements for passengers.
Cause & Safety Implications
Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from a lithium-battery device, such as a power bank, within the overhead luggage compartment.
Aviation authorities have raised warnings about the fire-risk posed by lithium batteries in carry-on baggage, citing “thermal-runaway” incidents when such batteries are damaged, overcharged or improperly stored
Why It Matters
- The incident underscores the growing hazard of lithium-battery fires on passenger flights.
- It draws attention to carry-on baggage safety protocols, especially for high-capacity power banks and e-devices.
- The successful emergency landing highlights the importance of crew readiness and rapid response in averting disaster.
- Aviation regulators worldwide may revisit rules on battery-carrying limits and storage compartments as a result.
Fortunately, what could have been a catastrophic cabin fire ended without injuries thanks to prompt crew action and diversion to a safe landing. But the incident serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers passengers carry aboard aircraft — and the critical importance of adhering to aviation-safety regulations for lithium batteries.
