India's DGCA Bans Power Bank Charging on Flights: Why New Safety Rules Matter

January 4, 2026 at 11:26 AM•2 min read

India's aviation regulator, the DGCA, banned the use of power banks to charge electronic devices on flights, citing a global surge in lithium battery fire safety incidents.

Key Points

1DGCA prohibited charging devices using power banks or in-seat power outlets during flights due to fire risk.
2FAA data shows lithium battery incidents on US flights surged 388% since 2015, with portable chargers causing nearly 40% of events.
3Power banks must be carried in hand luggage and kept within easy reach (seat pocket), not stored in overhead bins or checked baggage.
4Major global carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines have enforced similar restrictions on in-flight power bank use.

India's aviation regulator has banned the use of power banks for charging devices during flights. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a new advisory circular. This rule prohibits charging portable electronic devices (PEDs) with power banks. It also forbids plugging power banks into aircraft seat power outlets. The DGCA action reinforces existing rules with stronger enforcement.

Global Safety Concerns

This move by India's aviation regulator follows a rise in safety incidents worldwide. Lithium-ion batteries in power banks pose a significant fire hazard. If damaged or overheated, they can enter a state called thermal runaway. This process causes an uncontrollable temperature increase and fire. Such fires are extremely difficult to extinguish at high altitudes.

Data from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows a clear trend. The FAA recorded 69 lithium battery incidents in 2024 alone. This represents a 388% surge in incidents since 2015. Portable chargers cause nearly 40% of all reported incidents.

New Guidelines for Passengers and Airlines

The DGCA advisory mandates several key measures for aircraft cabin safety.

Power banks must be carried only in hand luggage.
They are strictly prohibited from checked-in baggage.
They cannot be stored in overhead bins. This is because fires are harder to detect there.
Power banks must be kept within easy reach, such as in a seat pocket.
Passengers must immediately notify cabin crew of any overheating or smoke.

Additionally, airlines must review their safety risk assessments. Cabin crew training must focus on recognizing early warning signs. They must also use the right firefighting equipment. All lithium battery-related incidents must be promptly reported to the DGCA.

Global Industry Alignment

India's move aligns with stricter global aviation safety rules. Several major international carriers have already implemented similar curbs. Emirates prohibits the use of any power bank onboard its flights. Singapore Airlines also forbids using or charging power banks mid-flight. Other carriers like Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways have similar restrictions. The restrictions help mitigate lithium battery fire risks on board. For more commercial aviation news and regulatory updates, visit flying.flights.

Key Details

To ensure compliance, most airlines limit power banks to 100 Watt-hours (Wh) capacity. This restriction covers large-capacity devices. The DGCA's focus on in-flight use of power banks aims to prevent incidents. It also ensures a quicker response if an event occurs.