KLM Boeing 737 diverts to Denmark after engine failure and cabin smoke

A KLM Boeing 737-800 registered PH-BXY en route from Bergen to Amsterdam as flight KL1164 was forced to divert to Billund Airport in Denmark on Friday after a serious in-flight engine malfunction that caused smoke in the cabin and reports of loud bangs from the right engine.

According to passengers onboard, the aircraft experienced two loud explosions shortly after service began, followed by the smell of burnt electronics and visible smoke entering the cabin. The flight crew subsequently received a low oil pressure warning and shut down the aircraft’s right engine as a precaution.

The aircraft continued the flight on a single engine before diverting to Billund, where it landed safely without further incident. No injuries were reported.

Passengers described a distressing experience, with some reporting black smoke coming from the engine and heightened anxiety in the cabin. Cabin crew prepared emergency equipment, although it was ultimately not deployed.

Preliminary indications suggest that internal engine components may have come loose, causing significant mechanical damage. KLM has confirmed the incident and said the aircraft is under investigation, stressing that it will not speculate on the cause at this stage.

The airline is sending a replacement aircraft to continue transporting passengers to their destination, while affected travellers were offered assistance and, in some cases, overnight accommodation and onward rebooking.