An Air China flight made an emergency landing after a lithium battery caught fire in a passenger’s carry-on bag during a journey from Hangzhou to Seoul Incheon on Oct. 18. The incident occurred approximately 20 minutes after takeoff when the device, stored in an overhead bin, ignited unexpectedly. Cabin crew quickly extinguished the flames, preventing injuries among passengers.
In-Air Battery Safety
The Airbus A321, which departed just before 10 a.m. local time, was diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Following the incident, Air China arranged a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Seoul, according to Flightradar24 data.
This event highlights the growing concern about lithium battery safety in air travel. China recently implemented restrictions on certain portable batteries in response to safety issues. The country now prohibits passengers from carrying portable batteries without proper Chinese safety certification on domestic flights, though these regulations don’t apply to removable batteries—the type involved in Saturday’s incident.
Battery-related safety measures vary globally. In the United States, lithium batteries are generally prohibited in checked luggage unless completely powered down. Emirates has taken even stricter measures, banning the use of phone power banks on all flights as of Oct. 1 due to fire risks.
The aviation industry has seen millions of lithium batteries recalled in recent years after being identified as potential fire hazards. These power sources, found in smartphones, laptops, chargers and e-cigarettes, pose particular challenges for flight safety.
Videos shared on social media platforms captured the dramatic scene aboard the Air China flight, showing smoke filling the cabin as passengers reacted with alarm. The airline has not clarified whether the ignited battery was a spare or contained within a device.
