Batik Air Flight Smoke Incident Prompts Safety Review

A Batik Air flight from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to Bangkok, Thailand, experienced an emergency when a power bank ignited, filling the cabin with smoke just 30 minutes before landing at Don Mueang International Airport. Viral social media videos captured the tense moments as flight attendants swiftly located the source of the smoke, opened the overhead compartment, and used extinguishers and water bottles to contain the fire. The incident, dated February 24, 2025, did not result in any injuries, and all passengers remained calm while the crew managed the situation effectively. This event highlights the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries, leading to increased scrutiny and policy changes by airlines regarding the handling of electronic devices onboard. Batik Air has not yet issued a formal statement concerning the incident. The incident has prompted discussions about stricter regulations on carrying devices with lithium-ion batteries on flights.