Passengers who rely on charging mobile phones and other devices during air travel have been issued a major safety alert. Following a circular issued on November 11 by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Indian airlines have tightened rules governing the use of power banks on board flights. Airlines are now clearly instructing passengers not to use power banks during the flight, and not to charge power banks using aircraft USB ports.
The move is aimed at reducing aviation safety risks. The DGCA has warned that lithium batteries used in power banks and portable chargers can pose a serious fire hazard, potentially leading to dangerous in-flight incidents.
Cabin Crew Making Announcements
While airlines did not formally respond to Business Standard’s queries, a senior airline official said that cabin crew are now making repeated in-flight announcements. Passengers are being instructed to:
- Avoid using power banks during the flight
- Not charge power banks via aircraft USB ports
- Keep power banks with them at all times, and not place them in overhead bins
Even if hand baggage is taken at the boarding gate for check-in, such devices must remain with passengers.
What the DGCA Circular Says
According to the DGCA, lithium batteries stored in overhead bins or cabin baggage are difficult to access or monitor. If smoke or fire develops, detection may be delayed, significantly increasing risks to flight safety.
The circular states that lithium battery fires spread rapidly, and in several cases devices may even explode. Causes include overheating, overcharging, crushing, internal short circuits, poor manufacturing quality, or improper handling.
The regulator also noted that in recent years, multiple incidents worldwide have raised suspicions of lithium batteries being the trigger for in-flight fire hazards.
Strict Directions for Airlines
The DGCA has directed airlines to:
- Reassess risks associated with lithium batteries
- Adopt measures to reduce the likelihood of cabin fires
- Strengthen systems for early detection and suppression of fires
Airlines have also been asked to review emergency equipment, including personal protective equipment for cabin crew, and align operating procedures with guidelines issued by aircraft manufacturers, the DGCA, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Special Emphasis on Crew Training
The regulator has placed particular emphasis on enhancing crew training. Cabin crew must be trained to:
- Identify early signs of thermal runaway in lithium batteries (such as excessive heat, smoke, or flames)
- Understand secondary hazards caused by smoke
- Effectively use fire extinguishers and fire containment kits
Message for Passengers
The DGCA has instructed airlines to communicate these rules clearly to passengers through announcements, signage, and digital messaging. Passengers should be informed that:
- Power banks and spare batteries must be carried only in hand baggage
- Use or charging of power banks during flights is prohibited
- Any device emitting heat, smoke, or unusual odor should be immediately reported to cabin crew
Cabin crew must also ensure that passengers do not store power banks in overhead bins.
Role of Airport Operators
Airport operators have also been assigned responsibilities. The DGCA has directed them to display clear notices and awareness videos at terminals, check-in counters, lounges, boarding gates, and security checkpoints. Passengers should be warned against charging such devices before boarding.
The regulator has further mandated immediate reporting of any safety incident involving lithium batteries, underscoring its zero-tolerance approach toward fire risks from portable electronic devices.
