The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is reviewing stricter regulations on carrying and using power banks on flights following a fire incident on an IndiGo aircraft this week, media reports said.
The incident occurred on October 19 when a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire while the Delhi-Dimapur IndiGo flight was taxiing for departure at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Fortunately, no one was injured, as the cabin crew quickly extinguished the fire.
Rising Safety Concerns
Concerns over lithium battery-powered devices have grown after the incident. The DGCA has launched a comprehensive review of how power banks are handled on flights, by both passengers and airlines. Potential measures under consideration include banning in-flight use, imposing restrictions on battery capacity, or even prohibiting carriage altogether if the risks cannot be safely managed.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has been briefed, and both agencies are collaborating to finalize new safety guidelines.
IndiGo’s Response
In a statement, IndiGo said flight 6E 2107, operating from Delhi to Dimapur on October 19, returned to the bay due to a minor fire triggered by a passenger’s personal electronic device stored in the seat-back pocket.
“The crew managed the situation quickly by following standard operating procedures, and the incident was controlled within seconds,” the airline said. Flight tracking data shows the Airbus A320 neo took off from Delhi at 14:33 and landed at Dimapur at 16:45, although it was originally scheduled to depart at 12:25.
IndiGo added that authorities were immediately informed, and after thorough checks, the aircraft was cleared for operations. “We thank our valued customers for remaining calm and cooperative. Our teams made all possible efforts to minimise inconvenience, including offering refreshments,” the statement said.
Global Context
This is not an isolated case. Earlier this week, a lithium battery kept in the overhead compartment of an Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul reportedly caught fire, highlighting the ongoing safety concerns around portable lithium-powered devices in aviation.
The DGCA’s review and potential new regulations aim to ensure passenger safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
