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.