Indian carriers to tighten rules on carrying power banks onboard amid rise in fire incidents

India may soon adopt stricter regulations governing the carriage of power banks onboard aircraft following several global and domestic incidents of lithium-ion batteries catching fire, as per a report by TOI. A recent case involved a passenger’s power bank igniting on a Delhi–Dimapur flight last Sunday while the aircraft was taxiing for departure.

A senior official from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) told TOI, the regulator is “taking up this issue” and is currently seeking technical inputs and examining possible safety measures. While a formal decision is expected soon, many foreign airlines have already implemented tighter restrictions on power banks carried by passengers.


Global airlines impose stricter limit

Several international carriers now allow passengers to carry only one power bank rated under 100 Watt Hours, which cannot be used to charge personal electronic devices or be recharged using the in-seat power supply system. Some airlines also require power banks to be stored in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat rather than in overhead bins, enabling cabin crew to detect and extinguish any potential fire quickly.


Dubai's flag carrier Emirates implemented new safety regulations on October 1, 2025, prohibiting the use of any power bank during flights. The airline allows passengers to carry one power bank under 100 Watt Hours but bans its use for charging devices or recharging through the aircraft’s power outlets. Emirates also mandates that “all power banks accepted for transport must have capacity rating information available.”

An Emirates statement noted: “There has been a significant growth in customers using power banks in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of lithium battery-related incidents onboard flights across the wider aviation industry. Power banks primarily utilise lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries…. If the battery is overcharged or damaged, it may result in ‘thermal runaway’ wherein heat generation within a battery cell exceeds its ability to dissipate heat, leading to a rapid and uncontrollable temperature increase.”

Singapore Airlines on power banks

Singapore Airlines introduced similar restrictions effective April 1, 2025. Passengers are not permitted to charge power banks via onboard USB ports or use them to charge personal devices during the flight.

Growing concerns after multiple incidents

The renewed focus on lithium battery safety follows recent incidents involving inflight fires. Last week, an Air China flight from Hangzhou to Incheon (Flight CA139) was forced to divert to Shanghai after a lithium battery caught fire mid-flight. In India, an IndiGo aircraft departing from Delhi to Dimapur faced a similar situation last Sunday, with the crew extinguishing the fire and returning to the terminal safely.

The risks associated with lithium batteries have long been recognized. In 2016, a particular model of mobile phone was banned from flights worldwide after multiple reports of devices catching fire.

Experts have pointed out that while most modern phones and advanced lithium-powered devices include an internal trickle system to prevent overcharging, many basic power banks lack such protection, making them more prone to overheating and fire hazards.

The DGCA’s ongoing review may determine whether Indian carriers will soon be required to implement similar restrictions to enhance passenger safety.

(With inputs from TOI)