Clipped from: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/power-banks-barred-from-use-on-board-aircraft-dgca/article70470708.ece
Guidelines issued following fire incidents linked to lithium batteries
The in-flight use of power banks, including recharging them using the aircraft’s power supply, has been barred, India’s civil aviation safety regulator said in its guidelines.
Notably, passengers have been advised not to plug power banks into seat charging facilities during flights.
Besides, charging other devices such as mobile phones has also been prohibited.
As per the guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following incidents involving power banks catching fire on board aircraft, such devices are also not permitted to be stored in overhead bins.
The instructions have been issued through DGCA’s ‘Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular’ which focuses on minimising risks associated with lithium batteries and devices carried by passengers and crew members.
According to the DGCA, most modern energy storage devices, including power banks, mobile phones, tablets and laptops, use lithium batteries due to their high energy density and efficiency.
However, the widespread use of such batteries has led to increased carriage by air, raising potential safety risks.
DGCA noted that power banks and similar devices can act as ignition sources and may initiate on-board fires, particularly when placed in overhead stowage bins where they are difficult to monitor, leading to delayed detection and response.
The advisory circular stated that lithium battery fires are highly energetic and can result in explosions caused by uncontrolled heating, overcharging, crushing, internal short circuits, poor manufacturing quality, ageing or mishandling.
Unlike conventional fires, lithium battery fires may be self-sustaining and require specialised handling.
Accordingly, the DGCA outlined preventive measures including minimising device heating, enabling early detection and strengthening firefighting procedures and crew training.
Meanwhile, air operators and airport operators have been directed to review and reinforce their safety risk management processes related to the carriage and handling of lithium batteries, rechargeable power banks and devices containing such batteries.
Additionally, airlines have been instructed to assess the adequacy of on-board emergency equipment, including personal protective equipment for cabin crew, and align operating procedures with guidance issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization, original equipment manufacturers and the DGCA.
Furthermore, airlines have been advised to reinforce crew competencies through safety and emergency procedures training and dangerous goods training, incorporating lessons learned from previous lithium battery-related incidents.
In addition, airlines have been instructed to broadcast cabin announcements advising passengers to carry power banks and spare batteries only in hand baggage.
Ends
Published on January 4, 2026
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