AAPL Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Gold
Power Bank Fire on IndiGo Flight
A reported power bank fire on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai led to the aircraft being diverted to Hyderabad on 11 October 2026.
Power Bank Rules for Flights in India: What You Need to Know
On 11 October 2026, an IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad after smoke was detected from a passenger’s electronic device. Reports said a power bank had caught fire inside the overhead luggage compartment. The cabin crew brought the fire under control, and the aircraft landed safely. No injuries were reported.
The incident has raised an important question: Can a power bank catch fire on a flight, and how can passengers carry one safely?
Why Can Power Banks Catch Fire?
Power banks contain rechargeable batteries, usually lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. These batteries store electrical energy.
If a battery is damaged, defective or exposed to excessive heat, it can overheat. An internal short circuit can also trigger a dangerous reaction known as thermal runaway. This can cause the battery to release heat, smoke and flames. A battery fire on an aircraft is especially dangerous because smoke can spread through the cabin, and the fire may be difficult to control.
How Should You Carry a Power Bank on a Flight?
Follow these safety rules when travelling by air:
- Carry it in your hand baggage: Do not pack power banks in checked-in luggage.
- Keep it within reach: Avoid storing power banks in overhead luggage compartments. This helps the crew and passengers identify a problem quickly.
- Do not use it to charge devices during the flight: Follow the airline’s instructions on power bank use and charging.
- Check for damage: Do not carry a swollen, leaking or damaged power bank.
- Alert the cabin crew: If your power bank becomes unusually hot, starts smoking or catches fire, inform the crew immediately. Do not try to handle a burning battery yourself.
- Check capacity limits: Airlines may restrict the number and capacity of power banks you can carry. Check the rules before travelling.
Are Power Banks Banned on Flights in India?
No. Power banks are not all banned from flights in India. However, passengers must follow aviation safety rules and airline restrictions.
Reports published on 14 October 2026 said that India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), had prohibited the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank from being carried on flights to, from or within India. The restriction also covers checked-in baggage and cargo.
This restriction applies to the specified model, not to every power bank. Passengers should check the model number before travelling and follow the latest instructions from their airline.
Carry Power Banks Safely
Power banks are useful when our phones run out of charge. But a damaged or faulty battery can become a serious safety risk.
The next time you travel, check your power bank, pack it correctly and follow the airline’s instructions