Passengers aboard a Batik Air flight from Makassar to Jakarta were left shaken after a power bank reportedly emitted smoke and caught fire while the plane was in the air.
The incident occurred on July 29 aboard Batik Air flight ID6143, which was travelling from Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar to Jakarta.
Power bank allegedly used to charge phone
In a viral Threads post, user @donimincuk claimed that the incident happened around 20 to 30 minutes after takeoff.
According to him, a foreign passenger seated at 21E had allegedly continued using a power bank to charge a mobile phone despite being warned not to do so.
The power bank reportedly short circuited shortly afterwards before emitting smoke and catching fire.
Photos shared online showed cabin crew members and passengers gathered near row 21 as the situation was being handled.
The poster praised the cabin crew for remaining calm and acting quickly despite the incident causing panic among several passengers.
However, the passenger’s nationality and claims that they had deliberately ignored a warning have not been officially confirmed.
Batik Air confirms power bank emitted smoke and sparks
Batik Air later confirmed that one of the passenger’s power banks began emitting smoke during the flight before producing sparks.
According to Batik Air’s Corporate Communications Strategic representative Danang Mandala Prihantoro, the cabin crew immediately carried out the airline’s emergency procedures using safety equipment available onboard.
Crew members also ensured the safety of passengers seated near the affected area while remaining in contact with the pilot.
The situation was brought under control and did not escalate further.
The plane continued its journey before landing safely at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, with all passengers and crew members reported to be safe.
Batik Air said it was still investigating the cause of the incident.
Netizens praise cabin crew
The viral post gained widespread attention online, with many netizens praising the cabin crew for their swift response.
One user reminded passengers that flight attendants issue safety warnings for a reason.
“When the cabin crew tells you off, it is not because they are jealous. They also want to return home safely. Please do not be stubborn.”
Another netizen recalled encountering a passenger who continued using a power bank during a flight to Bangkok despite being reminded by a flight attendant.
Others pointed out that dangerous behaviour was not limited to passengers of any particular nationality, adding that anyone who refused to follow safety instructions could put an entire flight at risk.
Several users also questioned whether power banks were allowed onboard, prompting others to explain that they could be carried into the cabin but not placed inside checked baggage.
What are the rules for carrying power banks?
Batik Air said power banks must not be used to charge electronic devices during a flight.
They must be carried into the cabin and cannot be placed inside checked luggage or stored in the overhead compartment.
Passengers should keep power banks visible and within reach, such as inside a seat pocket, clothing pocket or small personal bag placed underneath the seat in front.
Under Batik Air’s battery guidelines, power banks of up to 100Wh or 20,000mAh are allowed as cabin baggage, while units between 100Wh and 160Wh require approval from the airline.
The International Air Transport Association also advises travellers to keep power banks in their hand luggage, protect the terminals from short circuits and immediately alert cabin crew if a battery becomes hot, damaged or starts emitting smoke.
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