The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has banned the use of power banks for charging phones or other gadgets during flights. They took this move citing rising safety concerns linked to lithium battery fires. The restriction applies even to charging via aircraft seat power outlets. The move follows multiple global incidents in which lithium batteries overheated or caught fire mid-air.
In a Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular issued in November, the aviation regulator stressed that such fires are highly energetic, difficult to detect, and sometimes self-sustaining, posing serious risks to flight safety.
Check Rules
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries are allowed only in hand baggage.
- The use of power banks for charging during flights is prohibited.
- Power banks cannot be stored in overhead compartments.
- Passengers must immediately inform cabin crew if devices emit heat, smoke, or an unusual odour.
- Airlines must review safety risk assessments, improve crew training, and report lithium battery incidents to the DGCA.
The decision comes after recent fire incidents on IndiGo and international flights involving power banks.
