Passengers flying in India are no longer permitted to use power banks to charge mobile phones or other electronic devices during flights. Power banks must also not be stored in overhead compartments, India’s aviation regulator has clarified.
The clarification was issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) amid growing concern over lithium-ion battery fire risks onboard aircraft.
What the DGCA Has Said
On 4 January, the DGCA stated that passengers cannot use power banks at any point during a flight, including for charging phones, tablets or other personal electronic devices.
The clarification follows a Dangerous Goods advisory issued in November, which laid down rules on how power banks and spare lithium batteries should be carried by passengers.
Where Power Banks Are Allowed
According to the advisory:
- Power banks and spare batteries are permitted only in hand baggage
- They must not be stored in overhead compartments
- They should remain with the passenger during the flight
The DGCA noted that fires originating in overhead bins are harder to detect and contain, increasing safety risks during flight.
Instructions for Airlines and Passengers
Airlines have been directed to inform passengers of the restrictions through inflight announcements.
Passengers have also been asked to immediately alert cabin crew if any electronic device:
- Heats up unusually
- Emits smoke
- Produces a burning or unusual smell
Prompt reporting allows cabin crew to respond quickly and prevent escalation.
Why the Rules Were Tightened
The clarification follows a series of recent incidents involving power banks:
- October 2025: A passenger’s power bank caught fire onboard an IndiGo aircraft while it was taxiing at Delhi airport
- January 2025: A fire on an Air Busan aircraft in South Korea was linked to a power bank malfunction stored in an overhead bin
Globally, aviation regulators have been reviewing lithium battery safety as passengers increasingly carry multiple electronic devices and spare batteries.
What Passengers Should Know Before Flying
- Carry power banks only in cabin baggage
- Do not place them in overhead bins
- Do not use them to charge devices during the flight
- Report any overheating, smoke or unusual smell immediately
The DGCA said the measures are intended to reduce the risk of onboard fires and improve the speed of response in case of battery-related incidents.
