There was a scary moment onboard a KLM flight bound for Amsterdam earlier this month. Smoke filled the cabin after a portable charger, or power bank, caught fire onboard the aircraft.
Fire Occurs Onboard KLM Flight to Amsterdam
The incident occurred on August 5, 2025 as KLM Flight 792 was en-route to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) from São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU).
Passengers onboard the Boeing 777-300ER, registration PH-BVP, noticed smoke in the cabin roughly four hours before arrival in Amsterdam, as the plane was still over the Atlantic Ocean. Video captured onboard and posted to social media shows heavy smoke in the cabin as the crews worked to contain the device.
In a statement, KLM said:
“Smoke was detected on board due to a burning power bank. The crew quickly extinguished the device, following established safety procedures.”
The flight crew managed to contain the device and the plane landed safely in Amsterdam. No injuries were reported onboard.
Airlines Are Restricting the Use of Lithium Batteries Onboard
Airlines are becoming more restrictive regarding the transportation and use of portable chargers and other lithium battery powered products onboard. Shortly after the KLM incident, Emirates announced that it was banning the use of portable chargers onboard its aircraft as of October 1, 2025.
According to the Dubai based carrier, the decision was made after a comprehensive safety review as the carrier looks to take a firm and proactive stance to mitigate risk when it comes to power banks onboard. The airline also acknowledged the increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the aviation industry.
Summary
A KLM flight between São Paulo and Amsterdam landed safely after a portable charger caught fire over the Atlantic Ocean, filling the cabin with smoke. Thankfully, no injuries were reported onboard.