BANGKOK — A Batik Air flight en route from Johor Bahru in Malaysia to Bangkok was engulfed in smoke on February 24,  when a power bank ignited inside an overhead luggage compartment, causing panic among hundreds of passengers. The incident unfolded just 30 minutes before the plane’s scheduled landing at Don Mueang International Airport, underscoring the potential dangers of carrying electronic devices with lithium batteries on board an aircraft.

Thick Smoke and Burning Smell in Cabin

A video uploaded to TikTok captured the alarming scene as thick smoke billowed from the overhead compartment at the front of the plane. Passengers were visibly distressed as the smell of fire filled the cabin, causing concern over a potential in-flight emergency.

“The smell of burning was really strong, and the smoke was thick. We were all shocked and worried,” a passenger recounted.

Swift Action by Flight Crew

Three attentive flight attendants quickly located the source of the smoke and sprang into action. After identifying the overheated power bank, they instructed passengers seated directly below the affected compartment to move away. A flight attendant used a fire extinguisher to suppress the fire while the crew assisted passengers in safely removing their luggage.

A man, believed to be the owner of the power bank, was seated in the aisle opposite the compartment. It is not yet confirmed whether the device had been charging or if a malfunction caused it to overheat.

Safe Landing and Emergency Response

The aircraft landed safely in Bangkok, where emergency services, including fire brigades and ambulances, were on standby. No injuries were reported, and all passengers were evacuated without incident.

The Dangers of Lithium Batteries on Flights

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in power banks and other electronic devices, can pose significant safety risks if damaged, improperly stored, or exposed to extreme temperatures. Thermal runaway—a chain reaction causing batteries to overheat, catch fire, or even explode—can occur when a battery is short-circuited or malfunctions.

Civil aviation authorities worldwide have strict regulations regarding the transport of lithium batteries. Passengers are generally advised to carry these devices in their carry-on luggage and avoid charging them during the flight to reduce the risk of overheating.

Batik Air’s Response

Batik Air has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. It is expected that the airline will conduct an investigation in collaboration with aviation safety authorities to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess if all safety protocols were followed.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for caution when travelling with electronic devices containing lithium batteries. Passengers are urged to comply with safety guidelines to ensure a safe flying experience for all. (zai)