Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Power Bank Fire Forces KLM Flight Back to Amsterdam
A KLM airplane was flying from Amsterdam to Curaçao when a small battery pack caught fire.
The fire happened in the business-class area over the Atlantic Ocean.
Crew members put out the flames quickly.
The airplane was turned around because part of the cabin was damaged.
It landed safely back in Amsterdam.
A passenger said former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings may have been using the battery pack.
KLM has not confirmed that he was on the plane or caused the fire.
The passengers flew to Curaçao the next day on another airplane.
KLM Flight KL735 turned back to Amsterdam after a power bank reportedly caught fire in business class.
The Boeing 777-300ER was about five and a half hours into its flight over the Atlantic Ocean.
Cabin crew extinguished the flames, but reported cabin damage led the captain to return to Schiphol.
A passenger alleged former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings was using the power bank, but KLM has not confirmed his presence or responsibility.
The aircraft landed safely, and passengers continued to Curaçao the following day on a replacement aircraft.
- Who
- Passengers and crew on KLM Flight KL735; a passenger alleged former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings was involved, though KLM did not confirm this.
- What
- A power bank reportedly caught fire in the business-class cabin, prompting the flight to return to Amsterdam.
- When
- Thursday, September 17; the incident occurred about five and a half hours after departure, and the aircraft landed around 8:40 p.m.
- Where
- Over the Atlantic Ocean aboard a flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport; the aircraft returned to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
- Why
- The aircraft reportedly sustained cabin damage after the fire, requiring it to return to Amsterdam.
Passenger’s Account
KLM’s Position
Who was using the power bank
Passenger’s Account
An unnamed passenger told RTL News that former KLM CEO Camiel Eurlings was using the power bank when it caught fire.
KLM’s Position
KLM has not publicly confirmed that Eurlings was on the flight or that he was responsible for the fire.
Images of cabin damage
Passenger’s Account
Images circulating on social media appeared to show a charred area, ash and burn marks near a business-class seat and window.
KLM’s Position
KLM said it could not confirm the authenticity of the images.
- Flight
- KLM Flight KL735
- Route
- Amsterdam to Curaçao
- Aircraft
- Boeing 777-300ER
- Passengers
- Around 322
- Incident timing
- About five and a half hours into the flight
- Landing
- Around 8:40 p.m. at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Follow-up
- Passengers flew to Curaçao the next day on a replacement aircraft