Power bank that ignited on KLM flight belonged to former CEO

The power bank that ignited on a KLM flight en route to Curaçao, forcing the plane to return to Schiphol, belonged to the airline’s former CEO, according to NU.nl.

Multiple sources tell news website that the electronic device belonged to Camiel Eurlings, who was charging contrary to safety rules while traveling in first class on the flight to Willemstad.

Witnesses said that Eurlings was asleep at the time and was awoken by a bang when the power bank exploded.

KLM would not confirm the reporting, citing privacy concerns.

Flight KL735 was five and a half hours into its trip when the electronic device started emitting smoke. A photo obtained by RTL shows shattered window screen and burn debris.

Crew members were able to extinguish the fire. KLM said that one person was slightly injured but would not confirm if it was Eurlings.

The ex-topman celebrated his 53rd birthday on Wednesday. He joined KLM in 2011, first as corporate director and later as CEO.

After leaving the company in 2014, he joined the Dutch Olympic committee. He was forced to resign after Quote magazine revealed his ex-girlfriend had filed a police report allegedly that Eurlings had assaulted her.

Prior to working at KLM, Eurlings had a long career as a CDA politician. He served as a member of parliament, a member of European parliament and has transportation minister.

This is the second time a KLM flight has been disrupted because of an incident with a powerbank. In August 2025, a device in an overhead storage bin caught fire during a flight to São Paulo, Brazil.

That flight was also forced backed to Amsterdam after the cabin filled with smoke. According to KLM, it was the first time a flight had been disrupted by a power bank catching fire.

Airlines have special rules for powerbanks to reduce the fire risk. Passengers may only bring two on board, with a capacity of 100 Wh or less. KLM bans travellers from storing powerbanks in the overhead bins and from charging them on board.