- By Supratik Das
- Sat, 18 Oct 2025 08:25 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A power bank caught fire mid-air on a flight from Hangzhou to Seoul, causing panic among passengers and filling the cabin with smoke. The incident occurred aboard a China-based Airbus A321 cruising at an altitude of approximately 10 kilometres.
The blaze allegedly erupted from a power bank stored in an overhead luggage compartment. Passengers quickly noticed smoke spreading through the cabin, prompting immediate action from the flight crew. Flight attendants rushed to the scene with fire extinguishers and managed to contain the flames before the situation escalated further.
Emergency Protocols Activated
The pilots promptly informed air traffic control and requested an emergency landing at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Despite the tense moments, the crew successfully controlled the fire, and all passengers and crew members were reported safe. A video of the incident circulating online shows flames erupting from the overhead bin while smoke filled the cabin, capturing the panic and quick response by the flight staff.
While the flight landed safely without injuries, authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire. Authorities have urged have passengers to remain cautious with electronic devices during air travel, ensuring compliance with airline safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident underscores the ongoing safety concerns associated with portable electronic devices aboard aircraft. Aviation authorities have long mandated that power banks be carried only in cabin luggage to allow immediate access in case of emergencies.
Stricter Rules On Power Banks
In response to rising battery-related incidents in aviation, Emirates recently updated its in-flight safety regulations. Effective October 1, 2025, passengers are allowed to carry only one power bank with a capacity below 100 watt-hours, which must remain switched off and packed in cabin luggage. The new rules prohibit using or charging power banks onboard, aiming to reduce the risks associated with battery fires.
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“From 1 October, the use or charging of power banks on board Emirates flights is no longer permitted. Passengers can carry one power bank in cabin baggage only, and it must remain switched off,” the airline said in a statement.
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As the use of power banks continues to rise among travelers, aviation authorities and airlines are increasingly focusing on preventive measures. Incidents like the recent fire aboard the China–Seoul flight serve as a reminder of the latent risks of lithium-based batteries in confined environments.