A fire erupted in an Air China cabin overhead bin after a lithium battery ignited, forcing crew to extinguish flames and initiate an emergency landing in Seoul.
Incident Description
A fire began in the overhead bin above passengers as smoke and flames appeared in the cabin. The blaze originated from a self‑igniting lithium battery in a passenger’s luggage.
Crew’s Firefighting Efforts
Video footage shows the crew attempting to smother the flames while the situation was under control. However, a pilot later requested an emergency landing.
Air China Statement
The airline said no one was injured and passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft after departure to Seoul.
Emergency Landing Procedure
According to air‑traffic rules, the aircraft was given priority on Shanghai–Pudong Airport, with other arrivals delayed and the fire brigade kept on standby.
Lithium Battery Fire Risks
Lithium‑ion batteries produce rapidly spreading fire and toxic gases. Airlines recommend using specialised extinguishers such as hydrogel for such incidents.
