KLM Flight Diverted After Ex-CEO's Power Bank Catches Fire

A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight bound for Curaçao was forced to turn back to Amsterdam on Thursday after a passenger's power bank allegedly caught fire in the business class cabin. The incident occurred over the Atlantic Ocean, prompting the crew to follow safety protocols and return to the origin city.

According to airline statements, the crew extinguished the fire and made the decision to divert the flight. Passengers were rebooked on a flight that departed the following morning.

An unnamed passenger speaking to RTL News identified the user of the power bank as Camiel Eurlings, the former President and CEO of KLM from 2013 to 2014. The passenger described hearing a bang followed by flames erupting above the seat. The cabin crew reportedly responded swiftly and appropriately to the situation.

A photograph circulating on social media appears to show a cracked and blackened window shade in the business class section, consistent with a fire incident.

Eurlings reportedly sustained minor injuries and was described as being "extremely shocked" and "very upset" about the disruption to other passengers. The passenger noted it was "incredibly stupid" for the former CEO to violate airline rules regarding electronic devices.

KLM policy permits passengers to carry devices with lithium batteries up to 100 watts, but prohibits their use or charging during flights. The airline's website specifically advises passengers to keep power banks with them and not to use or charge them onboard. Lithium batteries, common in power banks, pose a fire risk due to their potential to overheat, as noted by the Federal Aviation Administration.

KLM has not officially confirmed Eurlings' involvement, citing privacy policies regarding passenger information. Eurlings previously served in the Dutch government and held executive positions at Air France-KLM before leading KLM. He currently works as a partner at Knighthood Global Limited.