Archive · 5 Jan 2026
India Bans Power Banks on Flights Over Fire Risk
India's aviation safety rule-makers have said that passengers can't use power banks to charge their phones or other gadgets while on a flight.
This is because power banks, which use lithium batteries, can sometimes overheat or catch fire.
The rule-makers have also said that power banks should only be kept in the hand luggage and not in the overhead compartments, as fires there are harder to detect and control.
They have asked airlines to make sure their staff knows how to handle such situations and to tell passengers about these new rules.
This comes after a few incidents where power banks caused fires on planes.
The rule-makers want to make sure that everyone is safe when traveling by air.
India's DGCA has banned the use of power banks for charging devices during flights due to fire risks.
Power banks and spare batteries are only allowed in hand luggage, not overhead compartments.
Lithium battery fires are intense, self-sustaining, and difficult to control, posing significant safety hazards.
Airlines must review safety risk assessments, enhance crew training, and ensure adequate firefighting equipment.
Passengers are required to immediately report any device emitting heat, smoke, or unusual odor to the cabin crew.
- Who
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Indian aviation regulator
- What
- Ban on using power banks for charging devices during flights
- When
- Advisory issued in November 2025, incidents in October 2023 and January 2024
- Where
- India, with reference to global incidents
- Why
- Due to the risk of lithium battery fires, which are intense and difficult to control
Safety Advocates
Convenience Advocates
Safety Measures
Safety Advocates
The ban is necessary to prevent potential fires and ensure passenger safety.
Convenience Advocates
The ban is overly restrictive and inconveniences passengers who rely on power banks.
Detection and Control
Safety Advocates
Lithium battery fires are intense and difficult to control, making prevention crucial.
Convenience Advocates
Modern aircraft have advanced safety systems that can manage such risks effectively.
Passenger Awareness
Safety Advocates
Passengers need to be educated about the risks and how to respond to potential hazards.
Convenience Advocates
Passengers should be trusted to handle their devices responsibly without excessive restrictions.
- Regulator
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
- Effective Date
- November 2025 (advisory issued)
- Storage Location
- Only in hand luggage, not overhead compartments
- Incident Example 1
- IndiGo plane fire in Delhi (October 2023)
- Incident Example 2
- Air Busan plane fire in South Korea (January 2024)
- Key Risk
- Lithium battery fires are intense and self-sustaining
- Airlines' Action
- Review safety risk assessments and enhance crew training
- Passenger Action
- Report any device emitting heat, smoke, or unusual odor immediately
Sources
Use Of Power Banks For Charging Devices On Flights Banned Over Fire Risk
Power Banks Barred For In-Flight Charging, Not Allowed In Overhead Bins. Check Guidelines
Thinking Of Charging Your Phone In Flight? Here’s How Power Banks Can Land You In Trouble & What The DGCA Rules Now Say
Power banks barred on flights for charging; Minister Naidu cites ‘safety concerns’— check guidelines here
DGCA disallows use of power banks for charging devices during flights amid fire safety concerns
Power banks barred from use on board aircraft: DGCA
DGCA bans use of power banks for charging devices during flights
Power banks on flights: What DGCA’s new safety rules mean for passengers
Lithium battery fire cases: Airlines told to tighten fire safety as DGCA bans inflight charging
DGCA prohibits use of power banks for in-flight. Here's all you need to know
Why DGCA Is Cracking Down On Power Banks In Flights? Minister Explains
