Fact Check: Are Power Banks Banned for Air Passengers in India? Here’s What DGCA Rule Says

All air travellers pay attention! The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently issued a circular prohibiting the use of power banks to charge portable electronic devices during flights.

But does this mean power banks are completely banned for air passengers in India? Not exactly, while carrying them is permitted, their in-flight usage is restricted. If you're still confused about the latest rules, here's a simple breakdown of DGCA's updated guidelines on power bank usage.

What Does The DGCA Guidelines Say?

As per the DGCA circular 'Dangerous Goods Advisory' dated 11 November, 2025, following measures have been instructed to avoid on-board fire like hazards due to power banks and other devices.

-Passengers are required to carry power banks and spare batteries only in hand baggage.

-Using or charging power banks is not allowed during flight. Passengers will be asked to immediately inform cabin crew if any device emits heat, smoke, or an unusual odour.

-Power banks and spare batteries shall not be placed in overhead bins.

Fact Check: Are Power Banks Banned On Flights?

Power banks are not banned on flights; however, the DGCA has prohibited their use during air travel to minimise the risk of fire incidents. The circular does not state that passengers are barred from carrying power banks, but it clearly restricts the use of these portable charging devices while on board.

Why DGCA Has Banned Power Banks Usage On Flights?

The DGCA guidelines came after multiple fire incidents related to lithium power battery were reported. Most of the power banks and other energy storage devices come with lithium batteries because of their higher energy density and efficiency.

The widespread use of lithium batteries in various rechargeable devices has led to increase in carriage of lithium batteries devices by air. "Power banks, portable chargers, and similar devices containing lithium batteries can act as ignition sources and potentially initiate on-board fires. Lithium batteries placed in overhead stowage bins or within carry-on baggage may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers. This may result in delayed detection of smoke or fire and response actions, increasing the potential hazard to flight safety," read the DGCA circular.

In October, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Dimapur faced a safety scare when a passenger's power bank reportedly ignited while the aircraft was taxiing for take-off at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Cabin crew put out the fire quickly, and no injuries were reported.