Refer China: Foreign Passenger’s Battery Ignites Onboard

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Foreign Passenger's Battery Ignites Mid-Flight—Airline Offers Compensation

On October 18, Air China flight CA139, en route from Hangzhou to Incheon, was forced to make an emergency landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport after a lithium battery inside a passenger's carry-on luggage caught fire mid-flight.

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Cabin Incident: Battery Ignites in Overhead Compartment

According to passengers aboard the flight, the cabin was nearly full, carrying mostly Korean nationals and Chinese concertgoers headed to South Korea. The fire reportedly originated from a Korean passenger's lithium battery stored in the overhead luggage compartment.

A video circulating online shows smoke and flames coming from an overhead bin as crew members respond to the situation. Fortunately, the fire was brought under control without injuries.

Emergency Landing and Flight Resumption

Following the incident, the flight crew declared an emergency and diverted to Shanghai Pudong Airport for safety. Air China later arranged a replacement aircraft to continue the journey. The flight eventually arrived at Incheon International Airport at 5:31 PM, with a delay of over five hours.

Air China customer service confirmed that affected passengers would receive compensation: RMB 200 for economy class and RMB 300 for business class travelers. Passengers can check their eligibility and claim compensation through the Air China app. For additional claims, travelers are advised to contact Air China directly.

Lithium Battery Restrictions and Safety Guidelines

This incident highlights growing concerns around battery safety onboard aircraft. According to updated Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) regulations, which came into effect on June 28, passengers are prohibited from carrying power banks that:

Lack a valid 3C certification mark
Have unclear or tampered 3C markings
Belong to recalled models or batches

Although these rules apply to domestic flights, international flights currently follow separate guidelines.

Per existing CAAC rules, lithium battery limits for carry-on include:

≤100Wh: Allowed without special approval
100Wh–160Wh: Allowed with airline approval (limit two per passenger)
>160Wh: Strictly prohibited onboard

In-Flight Battery Fire? Here's What to Do

The CAAC's In-Flight Lithium Battery Emergency Response Guide outlines standard safety procedures:

Crew members will attempt to cool the device using water or other non-flammable liquids. The battery's condition is monitored to ensure the risk of reignition is eliminated.

Passengers are urged to remain calm, follow crew instructions, and evacuate if necessary.
Do not run or shout, as burning lithium batteries release toxic fumes. Use a wet towel or blanket over your nose and mouth to reduce inhalation risks.
If designated by staff to assist, take proper safety precautions before engaging in any response effort.

Source: 南方都市报, 界面新闻