Stories
Smoke from Power Bank on IndiGo Flight: Know the Rules for Carrying Gadgets
- •An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai made an emergency landing in Hyderabad after smoke emerged from a passenger's power bank.
- •Airlines and DGCA rules dictate that power banks and spare lithium-ion batteries must only be carried in cabin baggage.
- •Power banks are strictly prohibited in overhead luggage bins or check-in baggage and must remain within the passenger's reach at all times.
- •Charging mobile phones or any other electronic devices using a power bank inside the aircraft is strictly prohibited.
- •Thermal runaway, caused by internal short circuits or overheating, is the primary reason why lithium-ion batteries catch fire.
Key Questions Answered
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted for an emergency landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad after smoke and fire were observed coming from a passenger's personal electronic device. The cabin crew took swift action to handle the situation, and the aircraft landed safely.
According to DGCA and airline guidelines, power banks and spare lithium batteries must only be carried in cabin baggage and are strictly prohibited in check-in luggage or overhead bins. Passengers must keep them within arm's reach at all times, such as in seat pockets or under the front seat, and are limited to a maximum of two spare batteries under 100 Wh.
Airlines and the DGCA prohibit using power banks to charge phones, tablets, or other devices—including via in-seat charging ports—to mitigate fire risks like thermal runaway. If a lithium-ion battery overheats or catches fire inside a closed overhead bin or during active charging, it can quickly generate dense smoke and become extremely difficult to detect and control.
