Passengers aboard a Chinese Tianjin Airlines jet were left in fear when a power bank overheated, causing the cabin to fill with dense smoke during the flight. The incident occurred as the aircraft was nearing its destination and the portable charger began emitting fumes, leading to concerns of a potential fire.
One passenger described the situation, mentioning the loud noise and thick smoke that permeated the cabin, although no open flames were visible. Cabin crew swiftly responded to the emergency, alerting passengers of a fire situation and instructing them to remain calm as firefighting protocols were enacted.
The overheating power bank incident took place as the Airbus A320neo was preparing to land on June 15. The flight had originated from Tianjin Binhai International Airport in China and successfully landed at Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport in Guangdong Province. After the safe landing, passengers were asked to disembark without their luggage temporarily before returning to retrieve their belongings.
Tianjin Airlines confirmed the incident, stating that the power bank issue was promptly addressed by the crew following established procedures, resulting in no injuries or damage to the aircraft. The airline emphasized the importance of ensuring power banks meet safety certifications and regulations to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite causing a delay of approximately one hour and 12 minutes, no injuries were reported, and the aircraft remained unharmed. This occurrence underscores the increasing scrutiny on power bank safety in air travel, prompting airlines and regulators worldwide to implement stricter guidelines. Tianjin Airlines permits passengers to carry power banks in their carry-on luggage but strictly prohibits them in checked baggage for safety reasons.