India may tighten inflight power bank regulations amid growing safety concerns

India’s aviation regulator is reviewing global safety practices governing the use and carriage of power banks onboard aircraft as concerns grow over lithium battery-related fire incidents and inflight safety risks.

According to sources cited by Business Today TV, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation is assessing whether additional restrictions are required as passenger dependence on portable electronic devices continues to rise.

“DGCA is reviewing global aviation practices. No decision has been taken yet on prohibiting passengers from carrying power banks,” a person familiar with the matter told the broadcaster.

The review comes amid increasing scrutiny of lithium-ion battery safety across the global aviation sector, with regulators and airlines tightening norms around portable chargers and battery-powered devices.

Chandigarh IndiGo incident renews safety focus

The latest regulatory review follows an incident involving an IndiGo aircraft at Chandigarh Airport, where a power bank reportedly caught fire shortly after landing.

According to airport officials, smoke spread inside the cabin during passenger disembarkation, triggering panic onboard.

Officials said:

• Six passengers sustained minor injuries
• All passengers were evacuated safely
• The incident occurred after landing during cabin exit procedures

The event has renewed concerns about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries inside aircraft cabins, particularly because overheating batteries can ignite rapidly and become difficult to control in enclosed environments.

DGCA had already tightened rules earlier this year

India had previously strengthened regulations governing portable chargers and lithium batteries through a Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular issued by the DGCA in January.

Under the existing rules:

• Passengers are prohibited from using power banks to charge phones or electronic devices during flights
• Charging through aircraft seat power outlets is also restricted
• Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried only in hand baggage
• Such devices cannot be stored in overhead compartments

The regulator said the restrictions were introduced because fires in overhead compartments can be difficult for cabin crew to detect and extinguish quickly.

In its advisory, the DGCA stated:

“The widespread usage of lithium batteries in various rechargeable devices has led to an increase in the carriage of lithium batteries by air.”

The regulator also warned that power banks and portable chargers could act as ignition sources capable of triggering onboard fires.

Lithium battery fires pose unique aviation risks

Aviation regulators globally have increasingly focused on lithium battery-related hazards because such fires can be highly energetic and, in some cases, self-sustaining.

According to the DGCA advisory, lithium battery fires may continue burning even after initial extinguishing attempts, creating additional challenges for inflight safety management.

Aircraft cabins present particular operational risks because:

• Fires can spread rapidly in confined spaces
• Heat buildup may damage cabin infrastructure
• Smoke can impair visibility and passenger evacuation
• Crew response time is critical during battery overheating incidents

The growing number of portable electronic devices carried by passengers has further increased regulatory attention on battery safety protocols.

Global aviation authorities strengthen restrictions

India’s review comes amid wider international tightening of norms around portable chargers and lithium battery-powered devices.

In March, the International Civil Aviation Organization advised that:

• Portable chargers should remain within passengers’ reach
• Power banks should not be charged onboard aircraft

The United States Federal Aviation Administration already prohibits portable chargers from checked baggage and permits them only in cabin luggage.

Several airlines have also implemented their own restrictions.

According to the report:

• United Airlines prohibits storage of portable chargers in overhead bins
• Airlines in Japan and South Korea have reportedly banned inflight use of portable chargers entirely

The measures reflect broader concerns within the aviation industry about the increasing frequency of battery overheating incidents during air travel.

Passenger dependence on battery-powered devices continues to grow

The DGCA is now evaluating whether additional safeguards are necessary as passenger reliance on smartphones, tablets, laptops and portable charging devices expands rapidly.

The issue has become increasingly important for airlines because modern travellers frequently carry multiple lithium battery-powered devices onboard flights.

Regulators worldwide are therefore balancing passenger convenience against evolving safety concerns linked to battery technology.

Any further tightening of Indian aviation rules could affect airline cabin procedures, passenger baggage protocols and inflight device usage policies.

Aviation sector expected to maintain focus on battery safety

The latest review highlights how lithium battery safety has become a growing operational and regulatory priority for the aviation industry globally.

As airlines carry increasing numbers of electronic devices on flights, regulators are expected to continue monitoring battery-related incidents and adapting safety frameworks accordingly.

While the DGCA has not announced any immediate prohibition on carrying power banks onboard aircraft, the regulator’s ongoing review indicates that inflight battery safety standards could face further scrutiny in the months ahead.