KLM Boeing 777 returns to Amsterdam after power bank fire in cabin

A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 777-300ER flying from Amsterdam to Curaçao turned back to Amsterdam after an external battery, or power bank, caught fire in the cabin. According to the account, the device was in use when it combusted in the business class cabin. The pilots decided to return immediately.

The device belonged to Camiel Eurlings, who was president and chief executive of KLM from July 2013 to October 2014, succeeding Peter Hartman. The presence of a former head of the airline on board drew particular attention, and the source states that the circumstances prompted little sympathy among some of those travelling, given his former responsibility for the carrier and oversight of its internal rules.

The aircraft was a ten-year-old Boeing 777-300ER registered PH-BVP. It has stayed on the ground since landing back in Amsterdam and has not returned to service.

The return caused operational and logistical disruption for the airline. KLM arranged hotel accommodation for the 322 passengers on board. The following day the carrier assigned a substitute aircraft, a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, to complete the journey to Curaçao; that service departed at 10:35.