DGCA bans MOBIKINS power bank on flights after IndiGo fire incident

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed airlines to prevent passengers from carrying the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank on flights operating to, from and within India, citing potential safety risks following a recent fire incident aboard an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai.

In a circular dated September 29, the aviation regulator instructed airlines and passengers to ensure that the specified power bank model is not carried on any domestic or international flight covered by the directive. The restriction comes amid growing concerns over the fire hazards associated with portable lithium-ion battery devices, particularly in the confined environment of aircraft cabins.

Restriction applies to specific power bank model

The DGCA's directive specifically identifies the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank, rather than imposing a blanket prohibition on all portable charging devices.

Airlines have been instructed to ensure compliance with the restriction, making it necessary for passengers to check the model details of their power banks before travelling.

The regulator's intervention follows the reported fire incident aboard an IndiGo flight operating between Delhi and Chennai, which raised concerns about the potential risks posed by portable charging devices during air travel. The directive covers both passenger baggage and cargo, meaning the prohibited model cannot be carried in cabin baggage, checked-in luggage or commercial shipments transported by aircraft.

Airlines have also been asked to identify the affected device and communicate the restriction to passengers through appropriate channels.

IndiGo flight diverted after mid-air fire

The safety concerns follow an incident on October 11, when IndiGo flight 6E 6115, travelling from Delhi to Chennai, was diverted to Hyderabad after a power bank stored in an overhead luggage compartment caught fire. The aircraft, carrying 191 people, landed safely at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at approximately 3.15 pm. No injuries were reported.

The aircraft was subsequently grounded for safety inspections, while IndiGo arranged an alternative aircraft to transport passengers to Chennai. The replacement flight departed Hyderabad around 5.45 pm and reached Chennai at approximately 7.20 pm.

Lithium-ion battery risks under scrutiny

Power banks generally contain lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat because of internal short circuits, physical damage or manufacturing defects. In severe cases, overheating can trigger a chain reaction known as thermal runaway, potentially resulting in smoke, flames or an explosion. Such incidents are particularly dangerous aboard aircraft because of the confined cabin environment and the potential for smoke to spread rapidly.

The DGCA has already tightened regulations governing the carriage, storage and use of portable batteries on aircraft, including restrictions on charging devices during flights. Passengers have been advised to check their power bank model numbers before travelling and comply with airline safety requirements. The latest prohibition applies exclusively to the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model. Other power banks remain subject to existing aviation safety regulations.