Air China Flight Diverts to Shanghai After Lithium Battery Fire in Overhead Bin: Crew Contain Blaze, No Injuries Reported

An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul (flight CA139) was forced to make an emergency diversion to Shanghai Pudong International Airport after a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on bag spontaneously ignited mid-air. The cabin crew acted swiftly following safety protocols to contain the fire, preventing its spread. No passengers or crew members were injured.

The flight took off at 9:47 am local time and was diverted shortly after the fire broke out, landing safely in Shanghai around 11 am. Images showed flames and smoke from an overhead bin, with some passengers assisting in extinguishing the fire. Flight-tracking services confirmed the plane turned back over the sea before landing.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the battery fire. The incident underscores the importance of strict regulations around lithium batteries on flights and highlights the crucial role of crew training in handling in-flight emergencies.