Overview
- Air China flight CA139 from Hangzhou to Incheon on October 18 diverted after a lithium battery in a carry-on bag ignited in an overhead bin.
- Video posted online shows flames and smoke in the cabin as passengers alert crew, who retrieve extinguishers to douse the fire.
- Flight-tracking data indicates the aircraft made a U-turn over the sea and landed at Shanghai Pudong shortly after 11 a.m. local time.
- Air China said the incident was handled according to procedures, reported no injuries, and dispatched a replacement aircraft so passengers could continue to Seoul.
- The episode highlights ongoing restrictions on lithium batteries, with China tightening rules on uncertified power banks and airlines limiting such items in checked baggage.