Camil Eurlings, former chief executive of KLM, is at the center of a mid-air incident that forced a Boeing 777-300ER to turn back over the Atlantic. The aircraft, Flight KL735, departed Amsterdam Schiphol on Thursday, September 17, carrying 322 passengers bound for Curaçao. It was 5.5 hours into the journey when a loud bang echoed through the business-class cabin.
A fellow passenger told RTL News that Eurlings was charging a power bank when it suddenly burst into flames. The witness described large flames rising above the seat before cabin crew intervened. They extinguished the fire but reported damage to the interior. The captain decided to return to Schiphol, landing at 8:40 p.m., nearly 11 hours after initial departure.
KLM maintains strict rules against charging power banks in flight, allowing them only in hand luggage. Lithium-ion batteries pose a severe risk due to thermal runaway, a process that generates intense heat and smoke. Social media images showed charred seats and ash, though the airline declined to verify their authenticity.
Eurlings reportedly sustained minor injuries and appeared shaken by the event. KLM has not publicly confirmed his presence on the flight or that his device caused the fire. Meanwhile, the 322 displaced passengers will board a replacement aircraft on Friday to complete their journey to the Caribbean.