A portable charger belonging to former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings exploded and caught fire on a flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao, forcing the aircraft to turn back over the Atlantic Ocean, according to broadcaster RTL Nieuws. The Thursday incident resulted in minor injuries to Eurlings and prompted an investigation by the airline into whether the power bank was plugged in and charging at the time of the blast.
Flight Forced to Turn Back After Mid-Air Battery Explosion
The aircraft, operated by KLM, was en route to Curaçao when the power bank detonated in the cabin, according to RTL Nieuws. A passenger seated near Eurlings told the broadcaster that they heard a loud bang followed immediately by an active fire. “Store flammer kom ut over setet,” the witness told RTL, describing large flames shooting out over the seat after the power bank exploded.
The sudden fire forced the flight crew to abort the journey over the Atlantic Ocean. According to RTL Nieuws, the plane returned to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. All 322 passengers on board were accommodated overnight at a hotel at KLM’s expense following the emergency landing.
Strict Airline Regulations Governing Power Banks
Power banks are permitted on KLM flights in hand luggage, but strict safety mandates govern their use. Travelers are limited to a maximum of two power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours. Furthermore, regulations dictate that these batteries must remain visible to the passenger, must never be placed in overhead baggage compartments, and are strictly prohibited from being used or charged during the flight.
Did you know? While power banks are essential for travel, airlines enforce bans on charging personal electronics using portable power banks during flight operations.
Airline Investigation and Passenger Safety Protocols
KLM has declined to officially confirm the identities of passengers on the flight, citing privacy regulations. However, multiple sources confirmed to RTL Nieuws that the device belonged to Eurlings. A spokesperson for the airline stated to the broadcaster that company officials are actively reviewing the incident, noting, “Vi etterforsker for tiden hendelsen. Som en del av dette undersøker vi også om powerbanken ladet eller ikke.”
Eurlings served as the president and CEO of KLM for just over a year, taking office on July 1, 2013, and stepping down on October 15, 2014. Prior to his tenure at the airline, he served as the Dutch minister for transport, public works, and water management from 2007 to 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are power banks allowed on airplanes?
Yes, passengers can bring up to two power banks in their carry-on luggage, provided they do not exceed 100 watt-hours.
Can you charge your phone using a power bank during a flight?
No. According to airline safety regulations, passengers are not allowed to use or charge power banks while on board the aircraft.
What happens if a lithium battery catches fire on a plane?
Pilots will divert the aircraft to the nearest suitable airport if safety is compromised.
Who owned the power bank involved in the KLM incident?
Multiple sources confirmed to broadcaster RTL Nieuws that the device belonged to former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings.
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