DGCA Bans In-Flight Charging With Power Banks Over Fire Risk

If you fly often and carry a power bank, here is a clear update worth noting.

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has said passengers must not use power banks to charge phones or other devices during a flight. This applies at all times, even if your seat has a power outlet.

The reason is simple: safety.

Why Is Charging Power Banks Banned On Board

Power banks run on lithium batteries. These batteries can overheat, short-circuit, or catch fire without warning. Over the past few years, airlines around the world have reported several such incidents in the air.

When something goes wrong mid-flight, there is very little room for error. A small battery fire can spread fast inside a closed cabin.

Where Power Banks Are Allowed and Where They Are Not!

The DGCA has already made this clear in an earlier safety advisory, and it still applies:

• Power banks and spare lithium batteries are allowed only in hand baggage
• They must not be kept in overhead bins
• They must not be used to charge devices during the flight

The concern with overhead bins is visibility. If a battery starts smoking inside a closed bag above your seat, it may take time before anyone notices. That delay can make the situation far more dangerous.

What the DGCA Is Asking Airlines to Do

The regulator has now asked all airlines to take a fresh look at the risks linked to lithium batteries carried by passengers.

Airlines have been told to:

• Enforce the rules more strictly
• Train cabin crew to spot early signs of battery fires
• Ensure firefighting equipment is ready and easy to access
• Clearly inform passengers through announcements and other messages

In short, airlines are expected to be more alert and more proactive.

Power Bank Restrictions Are Already Common

India’s decision is not unusual. In fact, many international airlines already ban or strictly limit the use of power banks during flights because of fire risks linked to lithium batteries.

Here’s a look at 15 airlines that have already imposed similar rules:

1. Emirates
2. Singapore Airlines
3. Scoot
4. EVA Air
5. Thai Airways
6. AirAsia
7. Tigerair
8. Starlux Airlines
9. China Airlines
10. Air Busan
11. Malaysia Airlines
12. Firefly
13. MASwings
14. Vietnam Airlines
15. VietJet Air

Most of these airlines allow power banks only in hand baggage and clearly prohibit their use for charging during the flight. India’s move simply brings its safety rules in line with what many carriers worldwide already follow.

What This Means for Travellers

If your phone battery runs low during a flight, wait until landing or use the aircraft’s built-in charging system if allowed. Do not connect a power bank, even for a short top-up. It may feel inconvenient, but this rule exists for a reason. A charged phone is not worth risking a fire at 35,000 feet.

For frequent flyers, the takeaway is simple: carry your power bank in your handbag, keep it visible, and leave it unused until the flight is over.