Flight rule change: DGCA bans in-flight charging with power banks

Advertisement

New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has banned the use of power banks to charge phones and other gadgets on flights. This includes charging through in-seat power outlets.

Under the new rules, power banks and spare lithium batteries can only be carried in hand luggage. They must not be stored in overhead bins or checked-in baggage. The move to ban in-flight charging with power banks comes amid safety concerns over the fire risk from lithium batteries.

Why the DGCA Took Action

The DGCA’s decision follows a rise in incidents worldwide where lithium batteries in power banks and other devices overheated or caught fire on planes. Experts warn that lithium batteries can enter “thermal runaway,” a process where the battery heats rapidly and may ignite nearby materials, creating a serious danger on board.

Impact on Passengers

Passengers are now required to keep power banks in easily accessible locations inside their hand luggage. Batteries stored in overhead compartments or hidden in bags are harder to monitor, which can delay detection of smoke or fire. The DGCA says keeping devices within reach allows the crew to act quickly in an emergency.

New Responsibilities for Airlines and Crew

Advertisement

Airlines have been instructed to update their safety risk checks for lithium batteries and ensure cabins have proper fire fighting equipment. Cabin crew will receive extra training to spot early warning signs such as overheating, smoke, flames, or unusual odours from electronic devices. They will also be trained to use the correct fire fighting procedures.

Airports and Passenger Awareness

Airlines must announce the power bank ban clearly during flights and ask passengers to report any device that heats up or emits smoke or strange smells. Airport operators are also asked to show safety messages and videos at entrances, check-in counters, security checks, and boarding gates. They are urged to discourage last-minute charging of devices before boarding.

Global Incidents Highlight the Risk

The DGCA issued the advisory after a spike in incidents involving lithium batteries on flights. Last October, a power bank reportedly caught fire on an IndiGo plane at Delhi airport. In January, seven people were slightly injured when an Air Busan plane caught fire in South Korea, with investigators pointing to a power bank as the possible cause.

DGCA’s Goal: Safety over Convenience

With more passengers carrying battery-powered devices than ever, the DGCA’s new rules prioritize safety over the convenience of in-flight charging. By controlling how power banks and lithium batteries are stored and monitored, the regulator aims to reduce the risk of fires and protect everyone on board.

Also Read:India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to be launched this month

Advertisement