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Air China Flight Diverts to Shanghai After Lithium Battery Fire in Overhead Bin

The incident has triggered an official probe under recently tightened Chinese rules on uncertified power banks.

Overview

  • Flight CA139 from Hangzhou to Seoul diverted to Shanghai Pudong after a passenger’s lithium battery ignited in a carry-on compartment.
  • Cabin crew deployed extinguishers and followed emergency procedures, and authorities reported no injuries.
  • The aircraft landed safely shortly after 11 a.m. local time, and Air China dispatched a replacement plane to continue to Incheon.
  • Chinese aviation regulators and the airline have opened an investigation to determine the cause and assess compliance with battery transport rules.
  • The case adds to a series of 2025 incidents that have led China to bar non‑3C‑certified power banks from flights and to tighten enforcement.