Stories
Power Bank Fires on Planes: Why Lithium Batteries Explode and How to Travel Safely
- •An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad after a power bank in the overhead luggage compartment caught fire.
- •Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, where temperatures rise rapidly to over 700 to 1000 degrees due to defects, damage, or overheating.
- •Aviation authorities prohibit using or charging power banks during flights and mandate keeping them in hand baggage within personal reach.
- •Passengers should avoid damaged power banks, choose reliable brands, keep them away from heat sources, and never store them in overhead bins.
Key Questions Answered
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on October 11 after a power bank kept in the overhead luggage compartment caught fire. The cabin crew utilized a fire extinguisher to contain the blaze, allowing the aircraft to land safely without injuries.
In November 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory prohibiting passengers from using or charging power banks during flights. The regulations also mandate that power banks must be carried strictly in hand baggage within personal reach and cannot be stored in overhead compartments.
Lithium-ion batteries store substantial energy in compact spaces and can experience thermal runaway if they overheat due to poor quality, manufacturing defects, physical damage, or short circuits. This can cause temperatures to skyrocket rapidly and ignite surrounding materials like plastic and chemicals.
