Air China Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Lithium Battery Fire
An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul was forced to make an emergency landing in Shanghai after a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on bag caught fire mid-air. The incident, captured in a viral video, caused significant panic but resulted in no injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Air China flight CA139 diverted to Shanghai after a lithium battery fire.
- The incident occurred in a bag stored in the overhead cabin.
- No injuries were reported; all passengers were safely transported on a replacement aircraft.
Dramatic Mid-Air Incident Caught on Video
A viral video from the flight shows flames and smoke emerging from an overhead bin. Passengers can be heard screaming as cabin crew members worked to extinguish the fire. The footage also shows passengers recording the event and moving away for safety.
Flight Details and Emergency Response
The incident occurred on October 18 aboard flight CA139, which had departed Hangzhou and was scheduled to land at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport. Following the emergency landing at Shanghai Pudong Airport, deployed another aircraft to transport the passengers to their final destination.
Air China Confirms Safe Outcome
Air China released a statement confirming the emergency landing and that no one was injured. “The crew immediately handled the situation according to procedures, and no one was injured,” the airline stated. They emphasized that the decision to land was made to ensure flight safety.
