The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Sunday announced that passengers will no longer be allowed to use power banks to charge mobile phones or other electronic devices during flights.
As per the new rules, power banks cannot be used for charging gadgets either directly or through aircraft seat power outlets. The decision follows several incidents worldwide where lithium batteries overheated or caught fire mid-air.
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Earlier, in November, the DGCA had issued a âDangerous Goods Advisory Circularâ stating that power banks and spare batteries are permitted only in hand baggage and must not be kept in overhead compartments. Reports said this was because fires in overhead bins are difficult to detect quickly.
Circular about âwidespread usage of lithium batteriesâ
âThe widespread usage of lithium batteries in various rechargeable devices has led to an increase in carriage of lithium batteries by air. Power banks, portable chargers, and similar devices containing lithium batteries can act as ignition sources and potentially initiate on-board fires,â the circular said.
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It further added, âLithium batteries placed in overhead stowage bins or within carry-on baggage may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crew members.â
The DGCA has asked airlines to review their safety assessments related to lithium batteries and enforce stricter preventive measures. It has also stressed better crew training, availability of firefighting equipment on board, and clear passenger announcements about the new rules.
