KLM Flight Diverts After Former CEO’s Power Bank Ignites Cabin Fire

Key points

• KLM flight KL735 (Amsterdam to Curaçao) diverted to Amsterdam on Sept. 17, 2026, after a power bank fire in business class.
• The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER (PH-BVP), departed 118 minutes late and returned 5 hours 20 minutes after takeoff.
• The fire damaged a seat and cabin wall but was quickly extinguished; no injuries were reported.
• The passenger was Camiel Eurlings, KLM’s former CEO (2013–2014), who reportedly used the power bank while sleeping.
• KLM rules prohibit using power banks in-flight; Eurlings violated this rule. KLM stated it would not issue fines.
• Passengers were rebooked on other flights; the aircraft was likely removed from service for repairs.

Background

This incident follows a broader trend of lithium battery fire scares in aviation. In September 2026, KLM had previously faced scrutiny over power bank policies, with some passengers reporting confusion about rules. The airline’s strict policy requires power banks to be in carry-on bags, visible, and unused during flight. Eurlings, who served as KLM CEO from 2013 to 2014, was later a Dutch politician and is now a partner at Knighthood Global, an aviation advisory firm. His tenure was marked by criticism for low visibility and leadership, earning him the nickname 'Mister No Show' within KLM.

How outlets are covering it

One Mile at a Time (OMAA) emphasizes the irony of Eurlings violating rules he once enforced as CEO, noting his current role in aviation advisory. OMAA highlights the lack of consequences, as KLM declined to issue fines. Inshorts, citing LatestLY, reports that Eurlings was injured in the incident and that a nearby passenger called the act 'incredibly stupid.' Inshorts does not mention KLM’s decision not to fine him. Both sources agree on the core facts: the flight diverted, the power bank ignited, and Eurlings was responsible. OMAA provides more detail on the aircraft’s late departure and the specific rules violated, while Inshorts focuses on the human impact and passenger reactions.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the risks of lithium battery misuse in aviation and the challenges of enforcing safety rules among high-profile passengers. It raises questions about accountability, as KLM chose not to penalize Eurlings despite his violation. The event also highlights the need for clearer communication of power bank policies, as some passengers may be unaware of restrictions. For airlines, it serves as a reminder that even former executives must adhere to safety protocols, and that failures to do so can have significant operational and reputational consequences.

What to watch

KLM is likely to inspect and repair the damaged aircraft. Passengers were rebooked on other flights, and the airline may review its power bank policies to prevent similar incidents. Eurlings, as a former CEO and current aviation advisory partner, may face public scrutiny, though no formal action has been announced. The incident may prompt broader discussions about lithium battery safety in aviation, particularly as IATA and ICAO have recently updated guidelines to discourage power bank use in-flight.