Panic erupts on passenger jet as overhead locker bursts into flames mid-flight

The plane had 160 passengers on board as it flew from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to Incheon.

Smoke made its way through the cabin as passengers called crew members to use the fire extinguishers to put out the blaze, footage online has shown.

A local news outlet reported how a passenger detailed hearing a loud explosion before the flames erupted from a suitcase roughly 20 minutes into the flight.

Air China confirmed the lithium battery had ignited the blaze in a statement on Weibo.

The airline further said that crew members responded to the incident quickly and no injuries were reported.

Air China added that the plane made an emergency landing at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport about 11am "to ensure flight safety".

The passengers were transferred to Seoul on a replacement plane, according to flight data.

Only months ago, China implemented an emergency ban on some portable batteries being taken onto flights due to potential fire risks.

A flight from Delhi to Dimapur was forced to turn around after a passenger's device caught fire inside a seat pocket.

A China Southern Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Shenzhen turned around just 15 minutes after takeoff in May.

It came after a passenger's camera battery and power bank went into flames.

The Federal Aviation Administration warns that lithium-ion batteries can undergo "thermal runaway".

It's a self-heating reaction that can trigger explosions if a cell is damaged, overcharged, overheated or exposed to water.

Every day, devices including phones, laptops, tablets and portable chargers all use the batteries.

Airlines worldwide have restricted lithium batteries in checked baggage as a result of the danger.

In tightening its rules, China will not allow power banks without certified safety markings on domestic flights.

Recalled models cannot be taken on the flight.

Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department has also banned storing power banks in overhead bins.

It has mandated that they be kept under seats or in seat pockets.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority say lithium-ion batteries cannot exceed 100Wh.

The batteries and cells must be a type "which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria".

The authority said the batteries must be protected "so as to prevent short circuits".

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