Power Bank Charging no Longer Allowed In-Flight by Airlines: DGCA Safety Rule Enforced amid Rising Lithium Battery Fire Concerns
Power Bank Charging no Longer Allowed In-Flight by Airlines: DGCA Safety Rule Enforced amid Rising Lithium Battery Fire Concerns
Passengers may carry power banks in cabin baggage, but using them onboard is prohibited amid rising lithium battery fire concerns
Passengers flying within India will no longer be allowed to use power banks to charge their devices during flights, as airlines have begun strictly enforcing aviation safety rules issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). While the restriction has existed earlier, airlines are now making clear in-flight announcements to ensure compliance, following recent incidents involving lithium battery overheating.
Under the latest enforcement drive, power banks can be carried only in hand baggage and must not be used during the flight. Passengers are also prohibited from charging power banks using in-seat power supply systems. Additionally, power banks and spare lithium batteries are not permitted in checked-in luggage or overhead bins, due to the risk of delayed detection if a battery overheats or catches fire.
The renewed focus on enforcement follows multiple safety incidents, including one in October when a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire on an IndiGo flight at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport while the aircraft was taxiing for departure. Cabin crew extinguished the fire quickly and no injuries were reported, but the incident raised fresh concerns about lithium battery risks in confined aircraft cabins.
According to official sources, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has reiterated that inflight usage of portable power banks is prohibited due to safety hazards linked to lithium-ion cells. These batteries, commonly used in power banks, smartphones and laptops, have high energy density and can become dangerous if damaged, overheated or overcharged. Cheaper models, in particular, may lack adequate safety mechanisms.
The DGCA’s Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular No. 01/2025, issued on November 11, 2025, directs airlines to report all lithium battery-related incidents to the regulator. It also mandates airlines to enhance passenger awareness through boarding and inflight announcements, instructing travellers to immediately alert cabin crew if any device emits heat, smoke or an unusual smell.
Airlines have been asked to review their safety assessments, strengthen fire prevention measures, ensure the availability of emergency equipment such as fire-resistant gloves, and train crew to identify early signs of thermal runaway. Cabin crew are also instructed to actively monitor passengers during flights and ask those found using power banks to switch them off.
Airport operators, meanwhile, have been directed to display prominent signage and informational videos at check-in counters and boarding gates, educating passengers about lithium battery risks and safe handling practices, including preventing short circuits by using protective cases.
Officials clarified that the move is not the introduction of a new ban, but a tightening of enforcement in response to growing safety concerns. With passenger reliance on portable electronic devices increasing, authorities believe stricter compliance is essential to prevent mid-air emergencies.
