Hyderabad: A power bank catching fire inside an aircraft has once again raised questions about the safety of carrying electronic gadgets during air travel. An IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday, October 11, after smoke was detected from a passenger’s electronic device, reportedly a power bank.
The incident took place aboard IndiGo flight 6E 6115. According to the airline, the cabin crew responded promptly and brought the situation under control. The aircraft landed safely at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, and all passengers and crew members were safe. An alternate aircraft was arranged to take passengers to Chennai.
A video recorded inside the aircraft showed passengers attempting to control the fire using their bags. The cabin crew eventually used fire extinguishers to put out the flames. The incident has once again brought attention to the risks associated with lithium batteries and the rules that passengers must follow while carrying power banks on flights.
What Are the Rules for Carrying Power Banks?
Power banks are allowed on flights, but passengers must follow specific safety guidelines. According to IndiGo’s baggage policy, power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in hand baggage and kept within the passenger’s personal reach. They must not be placed in checked-in baggage or stored in the overhead luggage compartment. This is because a battery fire inside a closed compartment can be difficult to detect quickly and control. IndiGo also states that passengers can carry a maximum of two power banks, subject to its battery-capacity limits and other applicable conditions. Passengers should check the airline’s latest baggage rules before travelling.
Can You Use a Power Bank During a Flight?
No. Under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) safety advisory issued in November 2025, power banks cannot be used to charge phones or other electronic devices during flights. This restriction also covers using aircraft seat power outlets to charge power banks. Passengers should also avoid carrying damaged batteries and follow instructions about protecting battery terminals to prevent short circuits. If a device becomes unusually hot, starts smoking or produces a burning smell, passengers should immediately inform the cabin crew rather than trying to handle the situation themselves
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Why Can Power Banks Catch Fire?
Power banks generally use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries. Although these batteries are widely used, damage, manufacturing defects or an internal short circuit can cause them to overheat.
In some cases, this can lead to a process called thermal runaway, in which the battery’s temperature rises rapidly and may result in smoke or fire. The latest IndiGo incident is not the first time a power bank has raised safety concerns during air travel. In March 2026, another IndiGo flight was evacuated after a passenger’s power bank caught fire following its landing in Chandigarh.
With power banks becoming a common travel essential, the question is no longer just about keeping phones charged. It is also about whether passengers are following the safety rules designed to protect everyone on board. Carrying a power bank may be permitted, but storing and using it correctly is essential to keeping air travel safe.
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