DGCA reviewing power bank safety norms after a fire incident on a Dimapur-bound flight.
New guidelines may restrict where passengers can store or use power banks.
Move aligns with global airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines tightening battery safety rules.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reportedly considering imposing restrictions on carrying power banks on aircraft. The move comes after a passenger’s power bank caught fire on a Dimapur-bound flight while the plane was taxiing at Delhi Airport. According to a report by The Times of India, the DGCA has initiated a technical review and is likely to issue new safety guidelines soon. While the regulator already limits the capacity of power banks carried onboard, this new step could further tighten norms in light of growing global concerns about lithium-ion battery safety in flights.
SurveySources suggest that the DGCA is consulting technical experts and international aviation bodies to frame new safety protocols. The authority may soon issue a directive restricting where and how passengers can carry power banks. Globally, airlines have varying policies; for instance, some allow keeping power banks in a personal bag under the front seat, not in overhead bins, to reduce fire risks.
The move follows a series of incidents that have highlighted the fire hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries. In confined spaces like an aircraft cabin, a process called thermal runaway, where the battery overheats uncontrollably, can lead to explosions or fires, posing severe safety risks.
Several international airlines have already implemented stricter norms. Emirates Airlines, from October 1, has banned the in-flight use of power banks altogether, allowing passengers to only carry one device below 100 watt-hours and strictly prohibiting charging either devices or the power bank itself during flight.
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Similarly, Singapore Airlines earlier this year banned charging power banks using onboard USB ports, citing similar safety concerns. In another recent case, an Air China flight from China to South Korea was diverted to Shanghai after a lithium battery fire broke out mid-air.
As per existing DGCA regulations, passengers are permitted to carry power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (around 27,000mAh).
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
