In a stringent safety norm, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has now discontinued the use of power banks for charging phones and other electronic gadgets during flights, including through aircraft seat power outlets.
In a 'Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular' issued in November, the DGCA said that power banks and other portable batteries will be allowed only in hand luggage and must not be stored in overhead compartments since fires in such locations are difficult to detect and control.
The decision comes amid cases of lithium batteries overheating and/or catching fire across the world.
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Airlines told to make mandatory announcements onboard
The new rules require airlines to report all lithium-related cases to DGCA. They have further been instructed to make in-flight announcements about the new rules related to use of power banks and other charging devices. Calling out to the passengers, the rules state that they should also "immediately inform the crew members if any device emits heat, smoke or an unusual odour".
All airlines are needed to "promptly report all safety issues and occurrences related to lithium battery incidents to DGCA", the rules say.
Apart from this, the DGCA has also stressed on better training for the crew members so that they can spot any such incidents as early as possible. Airlines have also been asked to make sure the firefighting equipment on-board is easily accessible for everyone.
Display of warnings at airports
In a bid to eliminate any mishaps in this regard, the DGCA has asked airports across the country to mandatorily display safety messages on lithium battery fire risks. These informational messages need to be displayed at terminal entrances, check-in counters (especially), security checkpoints and boarding gates.
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Why are lithium batteries a concern?
“The 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.
Lithium 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. This may result in delayed detection of smoke or fire and response actions, increasing the potential hazard to flight safety," the new DGCA circular says.
These batteries cause very "energetic" fires and can cause personal electronic devices (PED) to explode. The DGCA circular says that the "lithium battery fire can be started by uncontrolled heating, overcharging, crushing or internal short circuit triggered by poor manufacturing quality, aged batteries or damage due to mishandling. Unlike other fires, lithium battery fires may be self-sustaining and require special methods to handle".
"The general preventive measures to minimise risks of lithium battery fire may include minimising possibilities of heating of devices; early detection in case of fire; and reinforcement of effectiveness of firefighting procedures," say the new rules.
Which other airlines follow similar ban?
Last year, Emirates Airlines had banned the use of power banks on its flights. The Singapore Airlines also came up with a similar directive in April 2025. Carriers like Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways have also implemeted such restrictions.
