KLM Flight Diverts After Power Bank Catches Fire Onboard
A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao was forced to return to its departure airport after a power bank caught fire onboard. The Boeing 777-300ER, which departed almost two hours behind schedule at 3:21 PM, turned back towards Amsterdam due to the incident involving former CEO Camiel Eurlings' power bank.
Eurlings was reportedly using the power bank when it caught fire, causing minor injuries and damage around a business-class window. The crew responded quickly, returning the aircraft to Amsterdam where passengers could disembark and undergo necessary checks.
The incident highlights the risks associated with lithium-ion battery failures inside an aircraft cabin. KLM permits passengers to carry power banks in hand luggage but prohibits their use and charging during flights.