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An incident involving a power bank catching fire on an IndiGo flight has raised serious questions regarding the safety of air travel. On a flight traveling from Hyderabad to Chandigarh, a sudden outbreak of smoke and fire occurred shortly after landing, causing panic among the passengers. The cabin crew immediately took control of the situation and initiated an emergency evacuation. This incident has once again underscored the fact that even the slightest negligence regarding power banks can pose a significant safety risk. Here, we outline essential guidelines on how to safely use and handle power banks while traveling.

**How ​​the Power Bank Caught Fire on the Flight**
This incident took place on May 5, 2026, aboard IndiGo flight 6E 108, which was en route from Hyderabad to Chandigarh. The flight had landed safely at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport at approximately 3:29 PM; however, while the aircraft was taxiing, smoke and flames began to emanate from a passenger's power bank. The passenger immediately alerted the cabin crew, who subsequently used a fire extinguisher to bring the fire under control. By that time, however, smoke had already spread throughout the cabin. Given the situation, emergency exits were opened, and all passengers were evacuated via the emergency slides. One passenger sustained minor injuries during this process.

**DGCA Regulations: Strict Rules Regarding Power Banks on Flights**
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has already tightened regulations concerning power banks. According to an advisory issued in November 2025, using a power bank to charge any device while on board a flight is strictly prohibited. This prohibition also extends to charging devices via the aircraft's seat power outlets. This rule was implemented due to the inherent risk of overheating and fire associated with lithium-ion batteries. Following this recent incident, the importance of adhering to these regulations has become even more critical.

**How ​​to Safely Carry Power Banks on Flights**
When traveling by air, power banks should *always* be carried in your cabin baggage (carry-on luggage) and *never* in your checked-in baggage. This is a crucial requirement to ensure that immediate action can be taken in the event of any malfunction or emergency. If a power bank suddenly overheats, begins to swell, or emits smoke or an unusual odor, you must immediately notify the cabin crew. Attempting to handle the situation yourself can be dangerous. Furthermore, power banks should be kept away from loose coins or metal objects, as this increases the risk of a short circuit.

**Keep These Points in Mind Before Traveling**
Before carrying a power bank on a flight, be sure to check its capacity. Generally, power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh (approximately 27,027 mAh) are permitted; however, regulations may vary slightly across different airlines. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the specific rules before your journey. Preparation is essential to avoid last-minute hassles at the airport. Also, bear in mind that security regulations are established not merely for your convenience, but primarily for your safety; therefore, strict adherence to them is mandatory.

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