The need for an increase in dangerous cargo (DC) protocols at airport security turnstiles has become apparent after this weekend’s onboard luggage compartment fire on a flight to South Korea.
An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Incheon was forced to make an emergency landing after a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on bag caught fire mid-flight, filling the cabin with smoke.
Flight CA139 had departed Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport bound for Incheon International Airport when the incident occurred, approximately 20 minutes after take-off.
The fire originated in an overhead luggage compartment, where a portable lithium battery spontaneously ignited.
Early indications are that the fire was caused by a power bank.
Cabin crew swiftly extinguished the flames using fire extinguishers and oxygen bottles, and the aircraft diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for an emergency landing.
All passengers and crew were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, according to statements released by Air China.
Footage circulated on Chinese social media showed thick smoke billowing from an overhead bin, with crew members shouting instructions as they moved to contain the blaze.
The airline confirmed that the fire had been caused by a lithium battery stored in a carry-on bag, adding that it would cooperate with authorities in investigating the cause.
This incident has reignited concerns over the safety of lithium-ion batteries on board commercial aircraft, which have been linked to several mid-air fires in recent years.
Aviation regulators worldwide have long restricted the transport of such batteries in checked luggage, but experts continue to warn that improperly certified or damaged devices can pose serious hazards, even in the cabin.
Following the Air China incident, several carriers and regulators, including those in China and the United Arab Emirates, have announced plans to tighten existing restrictions and safety checks on portable power banks and other lithium-powered devices.
