SHANGHAI, Oct 19 (Reuters) — An Air China flight traveling from Hangzhou to Seoul made an emergency landing in Shanghai on Saturday after a lithium battery in an overhead luggage compartment caught fire mid-flight, prompting panic among passengers.
The airline confirmed that **Flight CA139** was diverted shortly after takeoff when crew members observed smoke and flames coming from a carry-on bag stored above passenger seats. The fire was quickly extinguished by cabin crew using onboard fire suppression equipment, and no injuries were reported.
A video of the incident, widely circulated on social media, shows passengers shouting and moving away from the source of the fire as smoke spreads through the cabin. Crew members are seen rushing with extinguishers to contain the blaze.
“All passengers were safely evacuated after landing in Shanghai. Affected travelers were later rebooked on alternative flights to Seoul,” Air China said in a statement.
The incident has renewed concerns over the transport of lithium batteries in aircraft cabins. Such batteries, commonly found in mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices, have been associated with fire risks if damaged, overheated, or improperly stored.
According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), **38 incidents involving lithium battery-related smoke or fire** aboard passenger or cargo aircraft were recorded in the first half of 2025 alone. In 2024, the FAA documented **89 similar cases**.
Chinese authorities introduced new guidelines earlier this year restricting the transport of certain high-capacity portable batteries on commercial flights. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has yet to issue a statement regarding the Air China incident.
No further delays or operational disruptions have been reported by the airline.
Today, an Air China flight (CA139) from Hangzhou to Incheon was forced to make an emergency landing in Shanghai, China, after a lithium battery in a passenger’s overhead bag caught fire. pic.twitter.com/emRolEYbmj
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) October 18, 2025