Safety First, Charging Later: DGCA Restricts Power Bank Use in Aircraft

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 1,200 Views

The DGCA has banned the use of power banks for charging devices during flights, citing fire risks from lithium batteries. Power banks are allowed only in hand baggage, with strict capacity limits. The move follows recent incidents, including an IndiGo fire scare, and aligns India with global aviation safety practices.

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has tightened in-flight safety rules by disallowing the use of power banks to charge mobile phones and electronic devices during flights. The move comes after a series of global and domestic incidents involving lithium battery fires, including a recent scare on an IndiGo flight where a power bank overheated.

Key highlights of the new directive:

Complete ban on charging: Passengers are prohibited from using power banks to charge devices at any point during a flight, including through aircraft seat power outlets.
Carriage rules: Power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand baggage, not in checked luggage or overhead bins, where fire detection and control are more difficult.
Safety rationale: Lithium batteries are known to be highly energetic and, in some cases, self-sustaining when ignited, making them particularly dangerous in enclosed aircraft cabins.
Global alignment: The DGCA’s decision mirrors practices already adopted by several international airlines, including Emirates and Singapore Airlines, which prohibit in-flight use of power banks.
Technical limits: Passengers may carry multiple power banks under 100Wh capacity. Larger ones (101–160Wh) require airline approval, while anything above 160Wh is banned outright.
Crew training: Airlines have been instructed to train cabin crew on handling lithium battery incidents and to clearly inform passengers about the updated rules.

The DGCA emphasized that the directive is part of its broader Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular, issued in November 2025, which aims to minimize risks associated with lithium-powered devices. With the widespread use of rechargeable gadgets, regulators are prioritizing passenger safety over convenience.

For travelers, the ban means adjusting habits—no more mid-air charging with personal power banks. Instead, reliance will shift to airline-provided charging ports or ensuring devices are fully charged before boarding.

Industry experts believe the move will reassure passengers, especially after recent fire-related incidents, and reinforce India’s commitment to global aviation safety standards.

Sources: Telangana Today, Telegraph India, NewsBytes, News18, Financial Express, Mathrubhumi

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