KLM flight returns to Amsterdam after power bank fire

On September 19, 2026, a KLM flight heading to Curaçao was forced to return to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport after a portable power bank caught fire in the cabin. The aircraft, identified as flight KL735, was over the Atlantic Ocean roughly five and a half hours into its journey when the incident occurred. The crew managed to extinguish the fire, and the pilot decided to return to the base for safety reasons. No serious injuries were reported among the 322 passengers on board.

Dutch media reports, cited by Philenews and ink.com, suggest the device belonged to Camiel Eurlings, the former CEO of KLM, who was a passenger on the flight. Reports indicate he may have sustained minor injuries during the incident. While KLM stated they do not comment on individual passenger information, the company confirmed that passengers were provided hotel accommodation and rebooked on alternative flights the following day. Images circulating from the incident show damage to aircraft seats and cabin fixtures. The event has reignited safety discussions regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights.