IndiGo power bank fire raises safety concerns:Why some of them are banned in flight what steps to take to avoid risks

A power bank is one of the most useful gadgets to carry while travelling, especially when your phone runs out of battery. But what happens when this handy device becomes a safety risk at 35,000 feet? A recent incident aboard an IndiGo flight has brought the issue back into focus. On October 11, IndiGo flight 6E 6115, travelling from Delhi to Chennai, had to make an emergency landing in Hyderabad after smoke was detected from a passenger’s electronic device, reportedly a power bank. The device caught fire inside an overhead luggage compartment, creating a safety scare. Around 180 passengers and seven crew members were on board. The cabin crew acted quickly and managed to control the situation before the aircraft landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. IndiGo arranged another aircraft to take passengers to Chennai. Authorities are investigating the incident. The incident serves as a reminder that power banks, despite being everyday travel essentials, need to be handled carefully. Choosing the right device, understanding its battery capacity, and following airline rules can help reduce the risks. So, if you are planning to buy a power bank or carry one on your next flight, here is what you should know. How to choose the right power bank Power banks come in different sizes, capacities, and charging speeds. However, buying one with the highest battery capacity is not always the best choice. Your needs, the devices you want to charge, and how often you travel should guide your decision. 1. Check the battery capacity Power bank capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). The higher the capacity, the more energy the device can store. Remember that the actual charge delivered to your phone will be lower than the capacity printed on the power bank. Some energy is lost during the charging process, so a 20,000mAh power bank will not charge a phone with a 5,000mAh battery four times completely. 2. Look at the watt-hour rating Apart from mAh, check the watt-hour (Wh) rating printed on the power bank. This tells you how much energy the battery can store and is particularly important when travelling by air. For example, a typical 20,000mAh power bank with a nominal voltage of 3.7V has an energy rating of around 74Wh. To estimate the Wh rating when only the mAh figure is available, use this formula: Wh = (mAh × voltage) ÷ 1,000 For many lithium-ion power banks, the nominal voltage is 3.7V, but you should check the product label rather than assume the voltage. 3. Check the charging speed Look for features such as USB Power Delivery (USB PD) or Quick Charge (QC). If you own a compatible Samsung or Google phone, PPS support may also be useful for faster charging.Before buying, check whether your phone supports the charging standard offered by the power bank. A higher wattage alone does not guarantee that your device will charge at its maximum speed. 4. Check the ports and charging features USB-C ports are useful for modern smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets. A USB-A port can also help if you have older devices or cables. If you plan to charge more than one device at a time, check the number of ports and whether the power bank reduces charging speed when multiple devices are connected. Some models also offer wireless or magnetic charging. These features can be convenient, but wireless charging is generally less efficient than wired charging and may generate more heat. 5. Check the brand, certification, and warranty Do not compromise on safety just to save money. Before purchasing a power bank, check its manufacturer, warranty, safety protections, and product certification. In India, look for the applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) marking and registration details. Buy from the manufacturer’s official store or an authorised seller to reduce the risk of purchasing counterfeit products. Also read: Meta launches ‘Muse Wonder’, Zuckerberg says it rivals top models: Users can manage different activities rather than simply giving prompts

Which power banks are allowed on flights? Power banks contain rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can overheat and catch fire if they are damaged, short-circuited, or develop an internal fault. For this reason, airlines have specific rules about carrying and using them. Although the exact requirements can vary by airline and country, the following guidelines are important for passengers travelling from India. 1. Always carry your power bank in cabin baggage Power banks must be carried in cabin baggage and must not be packed in checked-in luggage. If your cabin bag is taken from you at the boarding gate and checked into the aircraft’s hold, remove the power bank and keep it with you in the cabin. 2. Keep it within reach, not in the overhead compartment Carrying a power bank in your cabin bag is not the only requirement. IndiGo’s published baggage policy says power banks must remain accessible to passengers, such as in a seat pocket, under the seat or on their person. They must not be stored in overhead luggage compartments. 3. Check the power bank’s capacity before flying Battery capacity is another important factor. Under commonly applied aviation limits, power banks rated at up to 100Wh are generally permitted in the cabin, subject to the airline’s rules. Some airlines and updated aviation rules also limit the number of power banks a passenger can carry. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) introduced additional restrictions in 2026, including a limit of two power banks per passenger and a prohibition on recharging power banks during flights. Since requirements can change, check the latest rules issued by your airline before departure. 4. Protect the battery terminals Keep your power bank away from keys, coins, and other metal objects that could cause a short circuit. You can use a separate pouch or pocket to protect it from damage. Avoid carrying power banks that are swollen, leaking, damaged, or subject to a safety recall. If a device becomes unusually hot or starts smoking during a flight, alert the cabin crew immediately. Do not try to handle a smoking or burning battery yourself. 6. Check the airline’s rules before departure Rules may differ depending on the airline, route, and country. Before packing, check your carrier’s latest dangerous-goods and baggage policies. Passengers travelling with IndiGo can refer to its official baggage policy and dangerous-goods policy for the latest requirements. Battery-related incidents have also led to product recalls. In June 2025, more than one million Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks were recalled in the United States because of a potential overheating hazard. The recall applied to specific Model A1263 units with qualifying serial numbers. The brand and model of the power bank involved in the IndiGo incident have not been identified in the reports cited here. Also read: NASA’s Perseverance rover sets new record for driving on Mars: Moves farther than any vehicle on another world, covering 28.1 miles

What should you do if your power bank overheats? If a power bank becomes unusually hot, swells, or starts behaving abnormally, stop using it immediately. Do not charge it or continue carrying it as if nothing is wrong. If you notice smoke, a burning smell or flames on an aircraft, alert the cabin crew straight away and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to open, dismantle or handle a burning battery. Before travelling, inspect your power bank for visible damage and check whether the manufacturer has issued a recall. Store it safely, keep it accessible during the flight, and follow all airline instructions.