India’s aviation regulator has introduced new rules banning the use of power banks to charge electronic devices during flights, a decision driven by increasing concerns over lithium-ion battery fires in aircraft cabins.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that passengers may no longer use power banks or portable chargers to power phones, tablets or other devices while airborne. The restriction applies whether the power bank is connected directly to a passenger’s device or to the aircraft’s onboard power outlets. The move follows a rise in battery-related incidents globally, including overheating, smoke production and thermal runaway events — all of which pose significant risks in the confined environment of an aircraft cabin.
Clearer Rules for Carriage and Use
Power banks and spare lithium batteries will continue to be allowed in carry-on luggage, but passengers must now comply with stricter handling requirements. Travellers are advised to:
- Carry power banks only in cabin baggage, not in the aircraft hold.
- Avoid placing power banks in overhead bins, where detection of overheating may be slower.
- Refrain entirely from using power banks to charge any device during the flight.
- Alert cabin crew immediately if a battery or device becomes unusually hot, emits smoke or produces a burning smell.
Airlines have been instructed to update crew training and reinforce safety assessments relating to lithium-ion batteries to support early detection and effective response to any incident.
A Global Focus on Battery Safety
The DGCA’s update reflects growing international concern regarding lithium-ion battery hazards in aviation. Several carriers around the world have already introduced similar in-flight restrictions in recent years. High-energy batteries are known to pose a risk of thermal runaway — a chain reaction that can produce extreme heat and dense smoke, making quick intervention essential.
While severe incidents remain relatively rare, even minor battery events have resulted in flight disruptions, emergency responses and precautionary diversions. Regulators are therefore prioritising preventative measures that minimise the likelihood of such situations arising mid-flight.
What Passengers Need to Know
For travellers, the new rules mean that while power banks can still be brought onboard, they cannot be used while the aircraft is in the air. Passengers should plan to charge their devices before boarding and prepare for a period without access to portable power solutions.
Cabin crews will now emphasise the updated safety guidance during flight briefings, ensuring that passengers understand both the restrictions and the importance of reporting any signs of battery malfunction.
Aviation Safety Takes Priority
The ban marks a proactive step in strengthening onboard safety as electronic devices become ever more integral to modern travel. With aircraft environments tightly controlled and risks amplified at altitude, regulators are increasingly adopting a zero-tolerance approach to potential fire hazards.
As airlines and passengers adjust to the new rules, the DGCA’s decision underscores a simple yet critical message: in aviation, even small risks must be managed decisively to protect the safety of everyone onboard.