The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has banned the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 powerbank on all flights operating to, from and within India following a fire incident involving the device aboard an IndiGo aircraft.
The aviation regulator issued the directive after an IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday following a fire linked to the powerbank.
DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav directed airlines to ensure that the specific powerbank model is neither carried by passengers nor transported as cargo on aircraft.
Under the order, airlines must identify the affected device, prevent it from being brought on flights and inform passengers about the safety advisory through appropriate channels.
The restriction applies only to the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model and does not cover all powerbanks. Passengers have been advised to check the model number of their portable batteries before travelling. Those who own the affected device must not carry it on flights operating to, from or within India.
DGCA Tightens Powerbank Safety Rules
The latest action comes amid stricter safety measures governing lithium-ion batteries and powerbanks on aircraft. Under existing DGCA guidelines, powerbanks and spare batteries are permitted only in hand baggage and cannot be stored in overhead compartments.
The regulator has also prohibited passengers from using powerbanks to charge mobile phones or other electronic devices during flights, including through aircraft seat power outlets.
Airlines have been directed to educate passengers about these restrictions, train cabin crew to handle battery-related incidents and report fires or malfunctions involving lithium batteries to the regulator.
Passengers must immediately inform cabin crew if an electronic device overheats, emits smoke or releases an unusual odour during a flight.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in portable electronic devices but can pose a fire risk if damaged, defective, overcharged or handled improperly.
Such incidents are particularly dangerous aboard aircraft, where smoke can spread rapidly and access to the affected device may be limited. The DGCA’s latest directive aims to reduce these risks and strengthen passenger safety.