An IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday, October 11, after a passenger’s power bank caught fire mid-air, prompting an emergency response from the cabin crew. The incident occurred while the aircraft was en route to Chennai, leading the flight to make an emergency landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. The crew acted promptly to extinguish the fire, and the aircraft landed safely. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

The fire raised fresh concerns about the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries and portable electronic devices aboard aircraft. Power banks contain lithium batteries that can overheat and catch fire if damaged, defective or exposed to conditions that trigger an internal short circuit. Such incidents can be particularly challenging during flights because smoke and fire in enclosed aircraft cabins require an immediate response. Aviation authorities have increasingly emphasised precautions for carrying and handling these devices to reduce the risk of onboard emergencies.

India has introduced stricter rules governing the use and storage of power banks during flights. Under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s safety guidance, power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked-in luggage. They must also be kept within the passenger’s reach and must not be stored in overhead compartments. The restrictions are intended to help passengers and crew identify signs of overheating quickly and respond before a situation escalates.

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Passengers are also prohibited from using power banks to charge mobile phones or other electronic devices during flights. The restrictions cover charging through aircraft power outlets as well as using a power bank as an external power source. IndiGo’s baggage guidance also specifies a limit of two power banks per passenger, with each device not exceeding 160 watt-hours. Travellers should check their airline’s current baggage requirements before departure, as additional restrictions may apply.

Lithium-battery fires can be difficult to control because the batteries may continue generating heat even after the initial flames are extinguished. Warning signs can include unusual heat, swelling, smoke or a burning smell from a device. Passengers who notice any of these signs should alert the cabin crew immediately rather than attempting to handle a potentially hazardous battery themselves. Airline crews receive training to respond to onboard battery incidents using appropriate safety procedures and equipment.

The diversion of the IndiGo flight highlights the importance of following aviation safety rules for portable electronic devices. Although power banks are commonly carried by travellers to keep phones and other gadgets charged, their lithium batteries can pose a serious fire risk if they malfunction. Passengers are advised to keep power banks accessible, avoid using them during flights and never pack them in checked baggage. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident as airlines continue to enforce precautions designed to protect passengers and crew.

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