The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited the use of power banks during flights, including charging portable electronic devices with them or connecting them to aircraft in-seat power systems. The move follows multiple incidents involving lithium batteries overheating and catching fire mid-air, raising serious safety concerns.

In a newly issued Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular, the aviation regulator stated that passengers are no longer permitted to use power banks at any point during a flight. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are allowed only in hand baggage and must not be stored in overhead bins, the circular clarified.

Passengers are also prohibited from charging power banks using in-seat power supply systems provided by airlines. The decision comes after a recent incident where a passenger’s power bank caught fire onboard an aircraft while it was preparing for departure. Cabin crew were able to quickly contain the situation, and no injuries were reported.

Under the revised guidelines, airlines are now required to report all lithium battery-related incidents to the DGCA. Carriers must also make inflight announcements informing passengers about the new restrictions and safety protocols.

Passengers have been instructed to immediately alert cabin crew if any electronic device shows signs of overheating, smoke, or unusual odour during the flight. Airlines, in turn, must promptly report all such safety-related occurrences involving lithium batteries to the aviation regulator.

The DGCA said the updated measures are aimed at strengthening inflight safety and minimising fire risks linked to lithium-powered devices, ensuring a safer travel experience for passengers and crew alike.

A major milestone was achieved in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation journey with the successful validation flight at the upcoming Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport. The proving flight was operated using an Air India aircraft, with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu onboard, marking a crucial step towards the airport’s commercial operations.

A validation or proving flight is an essential requirement before any new airport becomes operational. It assesses whether the airport meets stringent regulatory, safety, and airside operational standards. Officials said the successful completion of this flight clears a key hurdle and paves the way for the commencement of commercial services in the near future. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water salute on arrival.

“On the auspicious occasion of the successful experimental landing of the first flight at the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport, special greetings to the people of North Andhra,” said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in a post on X.

Highlighting the region’s growth prospects, the Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said North Andhra Pradesh holds vast tourism and economic potential that had remained underutilised for years. He added that the airport’s inauguration would be taken up shortly at the national level.

“This is a historic milestone in the development journey of Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam is set to become the economic capital of the east. The Bhogapuram airport will serve as a powerful engine of growth, creating employment opportunities, catalysing regional industries, and significantly enhancing connectivity for people and businesses alike. The airport will strengthen trade, boost exports, and unlock the immense tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh,” he said, adding that the airport was first envisioned during the earlier tenure of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.

Envisaged as a gateway to India’s eastern coastline, the Bhogapuram airport will initially be capable of handling 6 million passengers per annum. Once operational, it is expected to replace the existing Visakhapatnam International Airport, which currently handles a lower passenger capacity, officials noted.

The airport is expected to serve a wide catchment area covering Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, surrounding hinterlands, and parts of South Odisha, significantly improving regional and inter-state connectivity.

The project is being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, the Andhra Pradesh government, and GMR Airports were present during the proving flight.

Spread across 2,203.26 acres, the airport’s passenger terminal will cover 77,342 square metres. The terminal will feature 22 check-in counters, 18 self-baggage drop units, four baggage carousels, and 31 X-ray machines. Plans also include 12 immigration counters, 14 emigration counters, and 12 Digi Yatra pods, aimed at offering a seamless and technology-enabled passenger experience.

With this successful validation flight, Bhogapuram Airport moves closer to becoming a critical aviation and economic hub for Andhra Pradesh and the eastern region.

Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, has announced the opening of Renaissance Goa Hotel, marking the brand’s first property in the state. Designed for travellers who value authentic exploration, meaningful connections, and local storytelling, the hotel adds a fresh lifestyle address to North Goa’s evolving hospitality landscape.

Nestled within the lush Arpora valley, the hotel enjoys effortless access to North Goa’s iconic beaches including Baga, Anjuna, and Vagator. Its location places guests at the crossroads of Goa’s energetic coastal life and the calmer, rhythmic charm of a valley retreat, offering both excitement and quiet moments away from the everyday.

“The Renaissance Hotels brand is built on curiosity and the idea that travel is most rewarding when it truly connects guests to the distinct character and DNA of a destination. Goa has long captivated as one of India’s most enduring leisure destinations, offering a lighthearted familiarity and an accessible choice for both planned getaways and spontaneous adventures. As we continue to expand our lifestyle portfolio across India, Goa remains central to our leisure growth strategy, with a focus on neighbourhood-led experiences, innovative design, and a style of exploration that today’s travelers seek,” said Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International.

Rooted in the textures and rhythm of tropical Goa, the hotel’s design draws from nature’s palette, blending fluid forms, tactile finishes, and moments of quiet drama. Design highlights include brass Vanda orchid installations, hand-carved sandstone floral elements, and botanical mosaic accents that celebrate Goa’s landscapes. The hotel also features statement installations such as a cherry blossom sculpture in the lobby, a lemon tree at the heart of the signature Casa Limone restaurant, and an LED-lit glass roof that shifts with changing light, encouraging guests to pause, explore, and engage with their surroundings.

The hotel features 133 guest rooms and suites that combine contemporary design with thoughtful local touches. Locally inspired 3D art pieces and bespoke brass floral cabinetry add character, while Family Rooms offer sweeping views of the tropical valley, providing a sense of calm after exploring Goa’s lively neighbourhoods. Spacious bathrooms and lifestyle-forward amenities further enhance the guest experience.

Culinary experiences at Renaissance Goa Hotel are led by The Bloom Kitchen, an all-day dining venue celebrating global flavours with a special focus on Goa’s coastal traditions. Casa Limone brings handcrafted ceramics, bright Amalfi-inspired flavours, and relaxed sundowner experiences, while Aerio, the rooftop pool bar, offers cocktails and light bites with panoramic valley views. At the heart of the lobby, R Lounge transitions seamlessly from artisanal coffees during the day to crafted cocktails in the evening.

The hotel also caters to celebrations and corporate gatherings with nearly 8,000 square feet of flexible event space. The ballroom and adaptable meeting venues are equipped with advanced technology and versatile layouts, making them suitable for destination weddings, intimate social events, and creatively driven business sessions.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to Renaissance Goa. Inspired by the energy of North Goa and the stories found within its neighbourhoods, the hotel has been designed to encourage discovery at every turn. Our goal is to create a Renaissance brand experience that feels welcoming, expressive, and deeply connected to its surroundings - where guests can engage with the destination through design, local insights, and meaningful moments. We look forward to introducing guests to a place that captures the spirit of Goa in a way that feels both vibrant and personal,” said Roopa Singha, General Manager, Renaissance Goa Hotel.

With this launch, Renaissance Hotels strengthens Marriott Bonvoy’s lifestyle presence in India, offering travellers a new way to experience Goa through design, culture, and neighbourhood-led exploration.