New Delhi, May 2026 – In a significant move to enhance aviation safety, India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented strict rules prohibiting the in-flight use of power banks on aircraft. The restrictions, which came into effect in late 2025 and early 2026, aim to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires in the unique environment of commercial flights.
The Primary Concern: Lithium-Ion Battery Risks
Power banks have become everyday essentials for travelers, but they rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are known to pose fire hazards. These batteries can overheat, experience thermal runaway, catch fire, or even explode when damaged, overcharged, exposed to high temperatures, or affected by manufacturing defects.
Aircraft cabins are pressurized and confined spaces where a small fire can quickly become catastrophic. Fires in overhead bins are particularly dangerous because they may go undetected for longer periods, delaying response from crew members. Several incidents in India and globally, including overheating cases reported on IndiGo flights, prompted the DGCA to take decisive action.
What the DGCA Rules Prohibit
The new guidelines focus on preventing active use rather than a complete ban on carrying power banks. Key restrictions include:
- No in-flight charging: Passengers are not allowed to use power banks to charge smartphones, tablets, laptops, or any other electronic devices during the flight.
- No charging the power bank itself: Using seat power outlets to recharge a power bank mid-flight is also prohibited.
- Carry-on only: As per international standards, power banks must always be carried in hand baggage and never placed in checked luggage.
- Accessible storage: Airlines recommend keeping power banks in personal bags or seat pockets rather than overhead compartments. This ensures quick access if any issue arises and allows passengers and crew to monitor them.
These measures align with broader international recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA, but India has enforced them more stringently in response to local incidents.
Capacity and Compliance Guidelines
While power banks are still permitted on flights, they must comply with standard watt-hour (Wh) limits:
- Up to 100Wh: Generally allowed without special approval.
- Higher capacity: May require airline approval and additional documentation.
Passengers are advised to use only genuine, undamaged power banks from reputable brands and to avoid cheap or counterfeit products that may have substandard safety features.
Why This Matters for Travelers
The restrictions reflect a growing global awareness of lithium battery risks in aviation. Similar rules exist in many countries, but India’s enforcement has been notable due to the high volume of domestic air travel. Airlines are expected to announce these rules during pre-flight briefings, and cabin crew have been trained to monitor compliance.
Travelers should plan accordingly by fully charging their devices before boarding or using the aircraft’s built-in power outlets (where available) directly for device charging, instead of routing through a power bank.
While the rules may feel inconvenient for heavy device users, they prioritize passenger safety. Always check with your specific airline before traveling, as minor variations in enforcement may exist. Carrying a power bank remains useful for use before boarding or after landing—just keep it switched off and stored safely during the flight.
This policy underscores the aviation industry’s commitment to minimizing risks in an era where personal electronics are ubiquitous. Safe travels!
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