A dramatic emergency landing was averted on Saturday when a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on luggage caught fire onboard Air China Flight CA139 from Hangzhou to Seoul. The plane, carrying 160 passengers and crew, safely landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport with no reported injuries.
“The crew handled the situation quickly and no one was injured,” Air China said in a statement on social media. Passengers described the scene as chaotic, with thick smoke billowing from the overhead compartment and flames erupting from the luggage.
“We were all in panic mode, but the crew acted swiftly and professionally, ensuring our safety,” said one passenger. Video footage showed crew members rushing to extinguish the flames, while passengers shouted “hurry up” in Korean.
This incident highlights the growing concern over lithium battery safety on aircraft. Aviation authorities worldwide have warned that lithium-ion batteries pose a significant fire risk if not handled correctly.
Air China has launched an investigation into the incident, emphasizing the importance of following safety guidelines when transporting devices with lithium batteries .