SRINAGAR: India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has barred passengers from using power banks to charge mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices during flights, citing fire safety concerns linked to lithium-ion batteries.
Under the revised safety guidelines, power banks are permitted only in hand baggage and must not be used at any point during the flight, including when connected to in-seat power outlets. Passengers have also been instructed not to store power banks in overhead compartments and to keep them under observation to allow a prompt response in the event of overheating, smoke or sparks.
The DGCA’s decision follows several incidents worldwide in which lithium batteries overheated or caught fire on board aircraft, posing risks to passengers and crew.
Airlines have been directed to brief cabin crew, make suitable announcements and ensure strict compliance with the instructions. Passengers have also been advised to immediately alert crew members if any electronic device shows signs of malfunction during a flight.
