New DGCA Rule: Power Banks Can No More Be Used On Flights
New DGCA Rule: India has implemented new flight safety rules that ban the use of power banks for charging phones and devices on board aircraft, following rising concerns over fire hazards linked to lithium-ion batteries. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has updated its advisory to tighten norms for carrying and using portable chargers during flights.
Why DGCA Has Banned In-Flight Charging with Power Banks
The DGCA’s decision comes after multiple incidents around the world in which lithium batteries — commonly found in power banks — have overheated, caught fire, or caused smoke events on planes. Lithium-ion cells store a large amount of energy in a compact space, and if they malfunction, the resulting fire can be intense and difficult to control.
Under the updated rules, passengers can carry power banks only in their hand luggage and cannot plug them in to charge phones or other electronic devices during the flight. This includes using seat power outlets or USB charging ports on board — such charging is now explicitly prohibited.
The regulator has also clarified that power banks and spare lithium batteries are not allowed in overhead bins, since fires in overhead compartments are harder for crew to detect and manage. Instead, passengers must keep these devices in accessible hand baggage.
What Are the New Rules for Power Banks on Indian Flights?
According to the latest DGCA advisory:
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✈️ Charging Power Banks In-Flight Is Banned: Passengers must not use power banks to charge phones, tablets, or laptops while the airplane is in operation.
- 📦 Carry Only in Hand Luggage: Power banks must be kept only in cabin baggage that passengers have with them — not in checked luggage or overhead bins.
- 🔌 No Using Seat Power: Connecting power banks to aircraft seat power sockets is also prohibited under the new guidelines.
These steps are part of a broader push to reduce onboard fire risk posed by lithium batteries — which, if damaged or poorly made, can experience thermal runaway leading to high heat and potential fire.
Global Trend: Other Airlines and Countries Take Similar Actions
India’s move aligns with global aviation safety trends. Airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines previously introduced similar policies restricting the use of power banks during flights. International regulators have been tightening guidelines after incidents where portable chargers have sparked smoke or fire onboard aircraft cabins.
For example, in some countries like South Korea, regulators banned storing portable battery banks in overhead bins and stopped in-flight charging following a battery-related fire incident on a flight.
Why Lithium Batteries Are Considered a Safety Risk
Power banks typically use lithium-ion batteries, which are powerful but sensitive to damage, overcharging, or extreme heat. If the internal cells short-circuit or are manufactured poorly, they can go into thermal runaway — a chemical reaction that rapidly increases temperature and may lead to fire or explosion.
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Since aircraft cabins are confined spaces with many passengers, such risks are taken seriously by aviation authorities. Keeping devices in hand luggage ensures cabin crew can quickly spot and respond to any overheating or smoke.
What Passengers Need to Know Before Flying
Here’s what travelers should remember about the new rules:
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Carry your power bank with you in carry-on luggage only.
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Do not use it to charge devices while the plane is taxiing, taking off, cruising, or landing.
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If a power bank feels hot or emits unusual smells, inform the cabin crew immediately.
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Don’t stash it in the overhead bin; keep it under your seat or in your personal bag for quick detection if issues arise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are power banks still allowed on flights?
Yes — but only in hand luggage, and you may not use them for charging during the flight.
Q2: Can I charge my power bank before the flight?
You can charge it before boarding, but once onboard, charging and usage for powering devices is banned.
Q3: Why is the DGCA banning charging with power banks?
Because of fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries, which have caused overheating and smoke incidents in aircraft cabins.
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Q4: Are there limits to how many power banks I can carry?
The DGCA has not specified a strict number in the recent advisory — but all carried units must be in hand luggage and must not be used for charging during flight.
Q5: Does the rule apply to all flights in India?
Yes, these updated safety guidelines apply to all commercial passenger flights governed by Indian aviation rules.
