Terrified aeroplane passengers covered their faces after a power bank exploded mid-air filling the cabin with thick smoke.

The electronic device burst into flames on an Airbus A320 flying from Hong Kong to Brunei, on the island of Borneo, yesterday (03/01) afternoon.

Passengers scrambled for cover as cabin crew rushed to the flames and doused them with the onboard fire extinguishers.

Footage captured by a passengers shows one man covering his face with a handkerchief while another woman anxiously cradles her baby.

Passengers praised the air hostesses for staying ''calm and professional'' in a ''difficult situation.

The Royal Brunei Airlines flight landed safely a short while later at 6pm local time. The carrier said in a statement: ''The aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew were unharmed.

''Our cabin crew are trained to follow standard operating procedures to handle such incidents professionally and to ensure the safety of our guests at all times. We carry the recommended safety equipment on board at all times.

''Passengers should observe the 'Guide to Dangerous Goods' for checked or carry-on baggage in accordance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations for the safety and security of all onboard flights.''