LATAM Flight Diverts After Passenger Power Bank Smokes, Lands Safely in Ribeirão Preto

Overview

• LATAM flight LA3581 from São Paulo–Congonhas to Brasília diverted about 30–40 minutes after departure when a passenger’s power bank malfunctioned and produced smoke near the overhead baggage area.
• The Airbus A320ceo, registration PR-MYK, was in cruise near São Carlos when the crew followed battery-fire procedures and initiated a rapid descent toward Ribeirão Preto.
• Airport firefighters and medical teams stood by for the arrival, and the airport operator said a formal emergency was not declared as the situation was controlled in flight.
• At least three passengers were treated on site for smoke-related symptoms or panic, with no serious injuries or hospitalizations reported.
• LATAM said the flight later continued to Brasília after operational measures, with reports citing evening departures around 18:30–19:00 and an arrival near 20:00; ANAC reiterated that lithium-ion batteries must travel in carry-on only within limits up to 160 Wh.