Overview
- A KLM Amsterdam–Curaçao flight turned back after a power bank exploded in the cabin about 5.5 hours into the transatlantic leg on Thursday, forcing a return to Schiphol and an emergency evacuation of the affected area.
- Cabin crew quickly extinguished the blaze, one man sustained burns, and photos show charred seat and window damage near the fire.
- Multiple passengers and Dutch outlets identified the device’s owner as former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings but KLM has declined to confirm the person’s identity, calling that privacy-sensitive while saying it is investigating.
- KLM accommodated all 322 passengers in hotels, rebooked them the next day, and the disruption could trigger compensation claims under EU passenger rules.
- KLM policy allows power banks in carry-on baggage but forbids charging or using them in flight and requires devices to remain visible, underscoring why crews intervene when lithium batteries fail and why investigators will examine compliance and cause.