Is a Ban on Power Banks on Indian Flights Coming Soon?
DGCA mulls banning or restricting power banks on flights after IndiGo fire incident.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is contemplating stringent regulations, including a potential nationwide ban on power banks aboard aircraft, following a fire incident on an IndiGo flight in Delhi on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The incident, involving a passenger’s power bank igniting during taxiing at Indira Gandhi International Airport, has prompted a comprehensive review of lithium battery-powered device handling by passengers and airlines. The DGCA aims to address safety risks, potentially limiting power bank capacity or prohibiting their use entirely.
The IndiGo flight 6E 2107, bound for Dimapur, returned to the bay after a minor fire sparked by a passenger’s electronic device in a seat-back pocket. The cabin crew swiftly extinguished the fire, ensuring no injuries or aircraft damage. IndiGo confirmed adherence to standard operating procedures, and the Airbus A320neo was cleared for operation after inspections, departing Delhi at 14:33 and landing in Dimapur at 16:45, per Flightradar24.com data.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is collaborating with the DGCA to develop new safety protocols, mirroring global trends. Airlines like Emirates, which banned power bank use in October 2025, and Singapore Airlines, enforcing similar restrictions since April, limit power banks to below 100 watt-hours and prohibit in-flight charging. Carriers like Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways have also imposed storage restrictions, reflecting heightened global caution.
Also Read: IndiGo Flight Delayed After Passenger Power Bank Catches Fire at Delhi Airport
The risks stem from lithium-ion cells in power banks, particularly in uncertified models lacking safeguards like short-circuit protection or temperature regulation. As the DGCA’s review progresses, potential restrictions could reshape passenger habits and airline policies, prioritizing safety amid India’s bustling aviation sector.
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