DGCA Bans Use of Power Banks for Charging Devices on Flights, Tightens Rules Over Fire Safety Risks

New Delhi | January 4, 2026 India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has introduced stricter in-flight safety rules by banning the use of power banks for charging mobile phones and other electronic devices during flights. The move comes amid growing concerns over the fire risks posed by lithium battery-powered devices and follows a rise in such incidents reported worldwide. According to the DGCA, passengers will no longer be allowed to use power banks to charge devices during a flight, including through aircraft seat power outlets. The regulator has also clarified that power banks and spare lithium batteries can only be carried in hand luggage and must not be placed in overhead compartments. Officials said fires in overhead bins are difficult to detect quickly and harder for cabin crew to control, posing a serious threat to flight safety. The decision was outlined in a Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular issued by the DGCA in November. The advisory explained that the increasing use of lithium batteries in everyday electronic devices has led to more such batteries being carried on aircraft, raising safety concerns. Power banks, portable chargers, and similar devices can act as ignition sources and may trigger onboard fires if they overheat or malfunction. The DGCA highlighted that lithium battery fires are especially dangerous because of their high energy and unpredictable nature. Such fires can start due to several reasons, including overheating, overcharging, crushing, internal short circuits, poor manufacturing quality, ageing batteries, or damage caused by rough handling. Unlike conventional fires, lithium battery fires can sometimes sustain themselves and may even cause devices to explode, making them harder to control. The advisory also pointed out that the location where batteries are stored inside the aircraft plays a crucial role in safety. Lithium batteries kept in overhead stowage bins or hidden inside carry-on bags may not be easily visible or accessible. This can delay the detection of smoke or fire and slow down response actions, increasing the risk to passengers and crew. Along with the new restrictions for passengers, the DGCA has directed airlines to strengthen their safety measures. Airlines have been asked to review their existing safety risk assessments related to lithium batteries carried by passengers and adopt stronger preventive steps to reduce the chances of battery-related fires in aircraft cabins. The regulator has stressed the importance of early detection and effective firefighting in case an incident occurs. Crew training has also been given special emphasis. The DGCA has instructed airlines to ensure that cabin crew are well trained to identify early warning signs such as overheating devices, smoke, flames, or unusual smells. Crew members must know how to use the correct firefighting equipment, understand the dangers of smoke inhalation, and respond quickly to prevent the situation from escalating. Airlines have also been asked to make sure that firefighting equipment and protective gear on board are adequate and easily accessible. Passenger awareness forms another key part of the new safety framework. The DGCA has made it mandatory for airlines to inform passengers about the updated rules through inflight announcements. Passengers have been instructed to immediately alert cabin crew if any device shows signs of overheating, smoke, or a strange odour. Airlines, in turn, must promptly report all lithium battery-related safety incidents to the regulator. Airport operators have also been asked to support these efforts. The DGCA has directed airports to display clear safety warnings and awareness videos about lithium battery fire risks at terminal entrances, check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. Airports have been advised to work closely with airlines and other stakeholders to educate passengers on safe handling practices for power banks and battery-powered devices, including discouraging last-minute charging just before boarding. The DGCA said the advisory was issued after an increase in safety incidents globally where lithium batteries carried on aircraft were suspected to be the cause. With air travel steadily rising and electronic devices becoming more common, the regulator said preventing battery-related fires requires coordinated efforts by airlines, airports, crew, and passengers. Similar restrictions have already been introduced by several international airlines and countries, including Emirates and Singapore Airlines, following lithium battery-related incidents reported last year. The DGCA said India’s updated rules are aimed at ensuring safer skies by reducing risks linked to lithium battery fires. DGCA Bans Use of Power Banks for Charging Devices on Flights, Tightens Rules Over Fire Safety Risks Flying with a power bank just got stricter. India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, has banned the use of power banks for charging phones or other electronic devices during flights due to fire safety concerns linked to lithium batteries. This also includes charging through aircraft seat power outlets. According to the new rules, power banks and spare lithium batteries are allowed only in hand luggage and must not be kept in overhead compartments. The DGCA said fires in overhead bins are difficult to notice and control, which can delay action and increase danger for passengers and crew. The advisory explains that lithium batteries can overheat or catch fire due to overcharging, damage, ageing, poor quality, or internal short circuits. Such fires are highly intense and, in some cases, can be self-sustaining or even cause devices to explode. Airlines have been directed to strengthen safety checks, review risk assessments, and ensure cabin crew are trained to spot early warning signs like smoke, heat, or unusual smells. Crew members must also be ready to use proper firefighting equipment quickly. Passengers have been asked to immediately inform cabin crew if any device overheats or emits smoke. Airlines must make onboard announcements to spread awareness and report any battery-related incidents to the DGCA. Airports have also been told to display safety warnings at terminals and boarding gates. The move follows a rise in lithium battery incidents worldwide and aims to ensure safer air travel.