Indian Aviation Authority Considers Power Bank Ban Following In-Flight Fire Incident

Power banks, which contain lithium-ion cells capable of storing substantial electrical charge, are facing increased scrutiny in India's aviation sector.

New Delhi:

Following a concerning in-flight fire incident on an IndiGo flight in Delhi, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is evaluating potential nationwide restrictions or a complete ban on power banks aboard aircraft.

The incident that prompted this review occurred when a passenger's power bank reportedly ignited while an IndiGo flight to Dimapur was preparing for takeoff from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday. Fortunately, cabin crew promptly extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported.

The DGCA has launched a thorough assessment of power bank handling protocols on flights, examining both passenger usage and airline policies. This evaluation could result in several outcomes: prohibiting in-flight usage, implementing mandatory power capacity limitations, or potentially banning these devices entirely if safety risks cannot be adequately addressed.

Officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation have been informed of these concerns, and both agencies are collaborating to establish new safety protocols.

IndiGo Airlines confirmed that flight 6E 2107, scheduled from Delhi to Dimapur in Nagaland, returned to the terminal shortly after beginning to taxi due to "a minor fire triggered by a passenger's personal electronic equipment stored in the seat-back pocket."

The airline stated: "The crew managed the situation quickly by diligently following standard operating procedures, and the incident was controlled within seconds."

All passengers and crew members remained safe, and the aircraft sustained no damage. After comprehensive safety inspections, the plane was cleared to resume normal operations.

According to Flightradar24.com tracking data, the Airbus A320neo eventually departed Delhi at 14:33 hours and arrived safely in Dimapur at 16:45 hours.

This potential regulation follows similar actions by international carriers. In early October, Emirates Airlines implemented a ban on power bank usage across its entire fleet. Their current policy only permits power banks rated below 100 watt-hours, with strict prohibitions against charging them or using them to power devices during flights.

Singapore Airlines adopted similar restrictions in April, forbidding any mid-flight use or charging of power banks. Other major carriers, including Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways, have also introduced limitations on where passengers can store these devices.

The safety concerns stem from the nature of power banks, which contain lithium-ion cells that provide high energy density in compact forms. Budget models, often sold without proper certification or quality testing, typically lack crucial safety features such as short-circuit protection and temperature regulation systems.