India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has introduced new safety rules that ban the use of power banks to charge electronic devices during flights in India, citing growing concerns about the fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.
Under the updated directive, passengers are no longer allowed to use power banks to charge phones, tablets, laptops or any portable electronic device while the aircraft is airborne, including through seat power outlets provided by the airline.
The move follows a Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular issued by the DGCA in November 2025, which already limited how power banks and other spare lithium batteries may be carried by passengers. According to the advisory, such batteries must be carried only in hand baggage and not stored in checked luggage or overhead compartments, where fires can go unnoticed and are harder to control.
Why the Ban Was Introduced
The DGCA’s decision is driven by safety concerns related to lithium-ion battery failures, particularly incidents in which power banks have overheated or caught fire aboard aircraft. Lithium batteries, which are widely used in portable chargers, can experience a phenomenon known as “thermal runaway” if damaged or overheated — a situation that can rapidly escalate to smoke or flame.
Aircraft cabins are confined spaces where early detection and rapid response are critical, and regulators say that placing batteries under a passenger’s control rather than in unattended stowage increases the likelihood that cabin crew or travellers will spot early signs of trouble.
Passenger and Airline Impacts
Under the new guideline, passengers may still carry power banks in cabin baggage, but must keep them on their person or under the seat so they remain visible throughout the journey. They cannot be used to charge devices during flight, and they must not be placed in overhead bins
Airlines operating in India have been instructed to update their safety briefings and announcements to ensure travellers are aware of the new restrictions and to train cabin crew to monitor compliance. The DGCA has also emphasized improved risk assessment and firefighting preparedness among carriers.
What Travellers Should Do
Experts recommend that passengers:
- Fully charge devices before boarding.
- Carry power banks only in the cabin, never in checked luggage.
- Keep power banks within reach throughout the flight.
- Inform crew immediately if any device feels unusually hot or emits smoke or odor
While the ban may inconvenience frequent flyers who rely on backup power mid-flight, regulators maintain that safety and the prevention of potential lithium battery fires take priority over convenience
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