Passengers told ‘stay calm and don’t panic’ as cabin fills with smoke during flight

A Tianjin Airlines flight was delayed after a power bank overheated and filled the cabin with thick smoke, sparking fears of a fire on board – the incident was caught on video

Passengers were left petrified after a power bank suddenly overheated and engulfed a plane cabin with dense smoke during flight. An emergency response was triggered aboard a Tianjin Airlines aircraft when the portable charger started producing fumes as the plane neared its destination.

Travellers reported the cabin rapidly became filled with thick smoke, prompting concerns about a blaze on board. “I didn’t notice at first, but then the noise got louder,” one passenger said.

“The smoke was quite thick. There was no open fire, but the smell was very strong.” Video footage captured cabin crew scrambling to handle the incident as an announcement alerted passengers: “There is a fire situation in the cabin. We are organising firefighting protocols, please remain calm and do not panic.”

The power bank overheated as the aircraft prepared to touch down yesterday morning (15 June).

The Airbus A320neo had taken off from Tianjin Binhai International Airport in northern China at 6.49am local time and touched down at Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport in Guangdong Province at 9.17am.

Following a safe landing, passengers were instructed to evacuate the aircraft without their baggage before subsequently returning briefly to retrieve their possessions, as reported by creatorzine. com.

A spokesperson for Tianjin Airlines said: “On 15 June, flight GS7829 from Tianjin to Jieyang experienced a situation where a passenger’s power bank began emitting smoke.

“Crew members discovered it immediately and handled it appropriately according to procedures. No one was injured, there was no damage to aircraft facilities or equipment, and the flight landed safely.”

They added: “If it is necessary to carry a power bank, please check it carefully to ensure it meets 3C certification and other relevant requirements.”

The incident resulted in a delay of approximately one hour and 12 minutes. No injuries were reported and the aircraft sustained no damage.

The alarm comes as airlines and aviation authorities worldwide impose stricter rules on power banks following an increase in thermal runaway incidents.

Tianjin Airlines presently permits passengers to transport power banks in their hand luggage or on their person, but they are completely prohibited from checked baggage.