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Smoke started filling the cabin of a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines plane after a portable phone charger caught fire midflight this week, video shows.
Passengers were seen covering their faces as a flight attendant holding a fire extinguisher walked down the aisle.
The flight Tuesday night took off from São Paulo, Brazil, en route to Amsterdam.
“Smoke was detected on board due to a burning power bank,” the airline said in a statement. “The crew quickly extinguished the device, following established safety procedures.”
The flight continued to Amsterdam and landed safely. No injuries were reported.
Power banks, or portable chargers, typically contain lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are permitted on planes, but not in checked luggage due the risk of them overheating.
A Delta flight last month had to make an emergency landing in Fort Myers, Florida, after a portable battery caught fire.
Data from the Federal Aviation Administration shared in December 2024 showed that lithium battery fires on U.S. flights rose 388% since 2015, occurring nearly twice a week. Lithium batteries are also used in laptops, tablets, cameras, watches and other personal electronic devices.
A survey of more than 800 flight attendants conducted by UL Standards & Engagement, a safety research organization, found that 87% are concerned about lithium battery risks on airplanes. The survey also found that one in four passengers admitted to packing lithium batteries in their checked bags.
