DGCA Plans Strict Rules on Power Bank Use After IndiGo Delhi–Dimapur In-Flight Fire Scare

Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing to introduce tighter safety regulations on the use of power banks during flights, following an alarming in-flight fire incident on an IndiGo aircraft traveling from Delhi to Dimapur earlier this week.

According to media reports, the move comes after a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire during taxiing for departure at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday. Fortunately, the cabin crew responded swiftly, extinguishing the flames and preventing a potential disaster. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of lithium-ion battery-powered devices onboard commercial flights. In response, the DGCA has launched a comprehensive review of existing safety protocols concerning the handling of power banks by both passengers and airlines.

Officials indicated that the regulatory body may consider multiple options, including banning the in-flight use of power banks, limiting their maximum capacity, or, if risks remain unmanageable, restricting their carriage entirely.