Lithium Battery Fire Forces Air China Flight Emergency Landing: Viral Video Captures Mid-Air Incident

Battery in an overhead compartment caught fire after the takeoff.

Air China flight CA139 traveling from Hangzhou to Seoul experienced an emergency situation when a lithium battery located in the overhead compartment ignited mid-flight, creating panic among passengers. The crew responded swiftly to the situation, and the aircraft was diverted to make an emergency landing in Shanghai. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this incident. After landing safely, passengers were subsequently rebooked on another flight to continue their journey to their destination.

A viral video captured the frightening moment, showing distressed passengers as crew members hurried to contain the fire caused by the lithium battery. In the footage, screams can be heard amid visible smoke and flames as the emergency situation unfolded.

Watch the video here:

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.

According to the New York Times, Air China confirmed that the fire was successfully extinguished within minutes and the aircraft was diverted to Shanghai as a safety measure. The crew's immediate action was crucial in controlling the fire, ensuring all passengers were safely evacuated, and preventing what could have potentially been a much more serious incident. Their quick response was instrumental in avoiding injuries and maintaining passenger safety.

This incident occurs several months after Chinese authorities implemented an emergency ban on certain types of portable batteries on aircraft. This preventative measure was introduced in June following warnings from regulatory bodies about the increasing safety risks these batteries posed to air travel.

Lithium batteries, commonly found in mobile devices, laptops, chargers, and e-cigarettes, have been subject to millions of recalls in recent years due to fire risks. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned that these batteries can spontaneously ignite if they sustain damage or experience a short circuit.

As of June 30 this year, the FAA has recorded 38 incidents where lithium batteries caused smoke, fire, or excessive heat in passenger or cargo aircraft. This follows 89 similar incidents reported in the previous year. In response, governments and airlines worldwide have strengthened regulations regarding these batteries in 2025, imposing stricter limitations on where they can be stored during flights.