An Air China Airbus A321-200 passenger aircraft experienced a brief moment of panic when a LiOn battery fire broke out during the flight. The Airbus A321, registered B-8583, operating Flight CA-139 from Hangzhou to Seoul, was cruising over the East China Sea at approximately FL330 (33,000 feet) when the lithium-ion (LiOn) battery in a passenger’s electronic device overheated, entered a “thermal runaway” condition, and caught fire.
The cabin crew promptly implemented trained emergency procedures, extinguished the flames, and secured the device. Following the incident, the cockpit crew decided to divert to Shanghai Pudong Airport as a safety precaution. About 40 minutes later, the aircraft landed safely on Pudong’s Runway 34L.
In a statement regarding the incident, Air China said: “A passenger’s LiOn battery stored in cabin baggage spontaneously ignited. Our cabin crew responded quickly and effectively in accordance with procedures. No injuries or damage occurred.”
