An Air China flight from was forced to make an emergency landing on Saturday after a lithium battery in a passenger's carry-on luggage caught fire, reported the New York Times.

The fire broke out in the overhead bin, prompting crew members to respond quickly. Video footage shared online showed smoke filling the cabin, alarming passengers. The aircraft landed safely at Shanghai Pudong International Airport with no injuries reported.

It remains unclear whether the battery was inside a device or a spare. The incident comes months after China imposed an emergency ban on certain portable batteries aboard flights, citing safety risks.

Lithium batteries, commonly found in phones, laptops, chargers and e-cigarettes, have been linked to fire hazards. The US Federal Aviation Administration recorded 38 such incidents on flights through June this year, and 89 in 2024.

Governments have tightened rules on battery transport. In the US, most lithium batteries are barred from checked baggage unless fully powered off. China now requires portable batteries to carry safety certification labels on domestic flights.

Air China said the fire was caused by a removable battery, which is not covered under the current Chinese ban. The incident highlights ongoing concerns over battery safety in air travel.