IndiGo Flight Evacuation After Power Bank Fire Raises Concerns
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An IndiGo flight evacuation after a power bank caught fire has reignited concerns around lithium-ion battery safety onboard planes. Here’s why power banks are under scrutiny again
IndiGo incident sparks fresh debate around carrying power banks on flights
A recent fire incident aboard an IndiGo flight has once again raised serious questions around the safety of carrying power banks during air travel. The incident took place on May 5 after an IndiGo flight from Hyderabad landed in Chandigarh, when a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire while the aircraft was taxiing towards the bay. The sudden blaze led to panic inside the cabin and triggered an emergency evacuation of more than 200 passengers.
According to reports, the power bank had been kept inside a seat pocket when smoke and flames were noticed. Cabin crew members quickly used fire extinguishers to control the situation, but the smoke spread rapidly across the aircraft, forcing emergency slides to be deployed. Several passengers reportedly sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process.
The incident has now sparked widespread debate online, with many travellers questioning whether power banks should be allowed on flights at all. Social media users pointed out how a small electronic device could potentially create a major mid-air safety risk, especially if such an incident were to occur during takeoff or at cruising altitude.
Why Are Power Banks Considered Risky?
Power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which are known to overheat if damaged, overcharged, or manufactured poorly. Aviation experts have repeatedly warned that these batteries can become fire hazards under certain conditions. Cheap or uncertified power banks are considered particularly risky because they may lack built-in safeguards against overheating.
What Are The Current Flight Rules?
In India, passengers are allowed to carry power banks only in cabin baggage and not in checked luggage. However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has tightened norms in recent months. Current guidelines prohibit passengers from using power banks to charge devices during flights, and airlines have also been instructed not to allow them in overhead storage bins where fires are harder to detect quickly.
Should Airlines Ban Power Banks Completely?
While the Chandigarh incident has intensified safety concerns, aviation experts believe a complete ban may not be the most practical solution. Instead, many are calling for stricter safety checks, tighter quality regulations, better passenger awareness, and enhanced crew training to manage lithium-battery emergencies onboard.
With portable chargers becoming an everyday travel essential, the debate now centres on whether stricter regulation is enough or whether airlines may eventually need to rethink allowing power banks inside aircraft cabins altogether.
