KLM flight diverts to Amsterdam after power bank fire

A KLM Boeing 777-300ER flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao was forced to divert back to Schiphol Airport after a power bank caught fire in the business class cabin over the Atlantic Ocean. The incident occurred approximately five and a half hours into the flight, involving 322 passengers.

Cabin crew acted quickly to extinguish the flames, which caused visible damage to seats and cabin walls. While KLM stated that the crew followed all safety protocols, reports from Dutch media indicate the device belonged to Camiel Eurlings, the former CEO of KLM and former Dutch Minister of Transport. It is alleged that the device was being charged in violation of airline rules, which prohibit the use or charging of power banks during flight.

Eurlings reportedly sustained minor injuries during the explosion. Following the emergency landing, passengers were provided with hotel accommodations and rebooked on alternative flights the following day. KLM is currently investigating the incident to determine if additional safety measures regarding lithium-ion batteries are required.