SCHIPHOL, WILLEMSTAD – A KLM flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao was forced to turn around over the Atlantic Ocean Thursday after a power bank reportedly exploded inside the cabin, causing a small fire.
The incident occurred aboard flight KL735, which had departed Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for Curaçao. The aircraft was already well into its transatlantic journey when the incident occurred.
According to passengers, the power bank exploded and caused a small fire in the cabin. Curaçaoan singer Izaline Calister, who was among those on board, said the cabin crew responded quickly and managed to bring the situation under control.
Despite the incident, Calister said there was no panic among passengers. However, as a precaution, the captain decided against continuing the flight across the Atlantic and instead returned to Amsterdam.
After spending more than six hours in the air without reaching its destination, the aircraft landed safely back at Schiphol.
KLM confirmed that the aircraft returned to Amsterdam for technical reasons. Passengers are being accommodated following the unexpected return and are expected to travel to Curaçao on Friday.
Calister said on social media that although the atmosphere aboard the aircraft remained calm, the delay creates complications for her schedule. She is expected to perform in Curaçao on Saturday and expressed concern about making her planned rehearsals in time.
The disruption also affected passengers scheduled to travel in the opposite direction. The KLM return flight from Curaçao to Amsterdam has been postponed as a consequence of the incident. Those passengers are being accommodated in a hotel overnight while awaiting their rescheduled departure.
Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which can pose a fire risk if they are damaged, defective or experience thermal runaway. This is also why airlines generally require power banks to be carried in hand luggage rather than placed in checked baggage.