Hong Kong: A Hong Kong Airlines flight operating from Hangzhou to Hong Kong was forced to make an emergency landing in Fuzhou March 20, 2025, after a fire broke out in an overhead compartment, reportedly caused by a power bank.
Incident Details
The aircraft, an Airbus A320 operating as Flight HX115, took off from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. Approximately 15 minutes into the flight, smoke and flames were seen emanating from an overhead luggage compartment, causing panic among passengers. Flight attendants and some passengers quickly responded, using bottled water, milk, and juice to extinguish the fire before it could spread further.
The flight crew decided to divert the aircraft to Fuzhou Changle International Airport as a precautionary measure. The aircraft landed safely at 2:01 PM local time, where emergency responders were already on standby. Fortunately, all 168 passengers and crew members on board remained unharmed.
Cause of the Fire
While an official investigation is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that a portable power bank stored in the overhead compartment may have been responsible for the fire. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in power banks, have been known to overheat and catch fire under certain conditions, raising ongoing safety concerns for air travel.
Response and Safety Measures
Hong Kong Airlines has yet to issue an official press release regarding the incident. However, authorities are investigating whether proper safety regulations were followed and whether additional precautions should be implemented.
In response to similar incidents in recent years, some airlines have updated their policies regarding power banks. South Korean aviation authorities, for instance, now prohibit passengers from storing power banks in overhead compartments, requiring them to be kept under seats where they can be more easily monitored.
Aviation Safety and Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion battery fires have been a growing concern in aviation. Regulatory bodies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), recommend that passengers carry power banks in carry-on baggage rather than checked luggage, as fires can be detected and managed more effectively in the cabin.
Passengers are advised to ensure their electronic devices and power banks comply with airline safety regulations and to avoid placing them in locations where they cannot be easily accessed in case of emergencies.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities, including aviation safety regulators, are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire to determine if further safety measures are necessary. The incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to battery transport regulations and the need for continued awareness among passengers about the potential risks of carrying lithium-ion-powered devices on board.
For now, the affected passengers have been accommodated on alternative flights to their final destinations, while Hong Kong Airlines continues to assess the situation.
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