IndiGo Flight Diversion: 5 Power Bank Safety Rules Every Air Traveller Should Know

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on October 11 after smoke was detected from a passenger's personal electronic device onboard. Flight 6E 6115 landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport after the cabin crew brought the situation under control, the airline said.

Although reports suggested that a power bank may have caught fire, IndiGo did not confirm the exact device involved. The incident has once again drawn attention to the precautions passengers should follow when carrying portable chargers and other battery-powered electronics on flights.

Power banks are widely used by travellers to charge smartphones, tablets and other gadgets. However, the lithium-ion batteries inside these devices can overheat or catch fire if damaged, improperly handled or short-circuited. Here are five important power bank safety rules to follow when flying.

1. Always Carry Power Banks in Your Cabin Baggage

Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked-in luggage. This allows cabin crew to respond more quickly if a battery starts overheating or emits smoke.

However, passengers should also check their airline's specific requirements. IndiGo's baggage policy requires power banks to remain within the passenger's personal reach, such as under the seat, in the seat pocket or on their person. It specifically prohibits storing them in overhead compartments or checked baggage.

Passengers whose cabin bags are taken at the boarding gate for placement in the aircraft hold should remove their power banks and spare batteries before handing over the bag.

2. Do Not Use a Power Bank to Charge Devices During a Flight

Carrying a power bank onboard does not necessarily mean passengers can use it throughout the journey. India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a safety advisory in November 2025 recommending that airlines prohibit the use of power banks to charge portable electronic devices during flights, citing concerns arising from lithium battery-related incidents.

IndiGo's published baggage policy also states that power banks must not be used to recharge portable electronic devices onboard an aircraft.

Passengers should check the latest rules issued by their airline before departure and use the aircraft's approved charging facilities where available.

3. Avoid Carrying Damaged or Swollen Power Banks

A power bank that has a swollen casing, cracks, dents, punctures or other visible damage should not be taken on a flight. Physical damage can compromise the battery's internal structure and increase the risk of overheating or a short circuit.

Travellers should also avoid using chargers that become unusually hot, produce a burning smell or make unexpected hissing sounds. These may indicate a battery or electrical fault.

If a power bank appears damaged, replace it before travelling rather than risking its use during a flight.

4. Check the Battery Capacity and Airline Restrictions

Airlines and aviation regulations impose limits on the lithium batteries passengers can carry. Under widely used international guidance, batteries rated up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are generally permitted in cabin baggage. Batteries rated between 100Wh and 160Wh may require airline approval, while batteries exceeding 160Wh are generally not permitted on passenger aircraft.

These limits can depend on the type of battery, its intended use and applicable airline and aviation authority rules. Passengers should check the capacity printed on their device and confirm the applicable requirements before travelling.

For reference, watt-hours can be calculated by multiplying a battery's voltage by its capacity in ampere-hours. If a power bank's specifications are unclear, passengers should contact the manufacturer or airline instead of assuming it is permitted.

5. Alert the Cabin Crew Immediately if a Battery Overheats

If a power bank, smartphone, laptop or another electronic device becomes unusually hot, begins smoking or catches fire, passengers should alert the cabin crew immediately and follow their instructions.

Do not attempt to open the device, retrieve it from a confined space or handle a burning battery yourself. Crew members are trained to respond to onboard battery incidents and have access to appropriate safety equipment.

Passengers should also avoid trying to retrieve a phone that has slipped into a seat mechanism by moving the seat themselves. Inform a crew member, as crushing or damaging a lithium-ion battery can create additional risks.

Why Power Bank Safety Matters During Air Travel

Lithium-ion batteries are used in many everyday devices because they can store considerable energy in a compact package. Under normal conditions, they are designed to operate safely. However, damage, manufacturing defects or internal short circuits can trigger a process known as thermal runaway, in which a battery rapidly overheats and may release smoke, flames and hazardous gases.

An incident inside an aircraft cabin requires immediate attention because smoke and fire can affect passengers and crew, while access to a device stored in an overhead compartment may be difficult.

In the IndiGo incident, the cabin crew brought the situation under control before the aircraft landed safely in Hyderabad. The airline arranged an alternate aircraft for passengers to continue their journey to Chennai and said it was providing refreshments and updates.

The incident serves as a reminder that passengers should follow airline battery policies, keep power banks in approved locations and report signs of overheating immediately. Checking the latest rules before departure can help travellers avoid prohibited practices and reduce the risks associated with carrying battery-powered electronics onboard.