A frightening moment unfolded onboard Tianjin Airlines flight GS7829 when a passenger’s power bank experienced a thermal runaway event and began producing smoke during the flight on Monday, 15 June 2026.

The aircraft involved was an Airbus A320-271N, registration B-32DA, a modern A320neo aircraft manufactured in 2023 and powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1127G-JM engines. The scheduled passenger flight was operating from Tianjin Airport (TSN) to Jieyang/Shantou Airport (SWA) in China.

The cabin crew responded immediately after smoke was detected inside the cabin. They quickly located the overheating lithium-ion power bank and used available liquids, including mineral water, to cool the device and prevent the thermal runaway from escalating into a more dangerous onboard fire.

Thanks to the swift and professional response of the crew, the aircraft landed safely at Jieyang Airport at 09:18 local time. There were no injuries to any of the passengers or crew, no fatalities, and the aircraft sustained no damage. The incident caused a delay of approximately 1 hour and 12 minutes.

Although incidents involving lithium batteries are relatively rare, this event serves as another reminder of the risks associated with portable electronic devices. Power banks should always be carried in the aircraft cabin, never placed in checked baggage, protected from physical damage, and monitored while charging or in use.