Is Power bank allowed in India Flight. What is the new rule?

Power Banks Now Banned for In-Flight Charging in India

India has implemented significant changes to its in-flight safety regulations concerning power banks and lithium battery-powered devices. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued a 'dangerous goods advisory circular' that effectively prohibits passengers from using power banks to charge portable electronic devices while airborne. Additionally, charging power banks using the in-seat power supply systems provided by airlines is no longer permitted.

These new restrictions represent a major shift in how passengers can use their personal electronic devices during flights. The regulations come in response to multiple instances of lithium batteries catching fire mid-flight, raising serious safety concerns for both passengers and crew members. The decision aligns with similar measures already adopted by international carriers and aviation authorities in other countries.

Understanding the New Storage and Handling Rules

according to aviation safety experts who emphasize the critical importance of proper battery management throughout the aircraft. The new guidelines introduce clear restrictions on where passengers can keep power banks and other lithium battery-powered devices during their journey. Power banks and batteries are now permitted only in hand bags, meaning passengers cannot store them in overhead compartments. This distinction between carry-on bag storage and overhead bin storage is crucial for maintaining safety throughout the flight.

This defeats the purpose of not allowing batteries in check-in bags. A battery catching fire in baggage hold, remaining undetected and then spreading can have serious consequences.

The regulations require that all lithium battery-powered devices must remain in the passenger's immediate control within their hand bag. Placing these items in overhead bins—a common practice among travelers—is now strictly prohibited. This ensures that in the unlikely event of a battery malfunction, the device is immediately accessible to cabin crew and the issue can be addressed promptly.

Industry Response and International Precedent

Airlines have been directed to make regular in-flight announcements informing passengers about these new rules. The announcements emphasize passenger responsibility in adhering to the safety guidelines. Furthermore, passengers are instructed to immediately inform cabin crew if any device emits heat, smoke, or an unusual odor, enabling quick intervention before any potential danger escalates. The Indian aviation authority's decision reflects a broader global concern about lithium battery safety in aircraft. Several international airlines, including Emirates and Singapore Airlines, had already implemented similar restrictions prior to India's announcement. This coordinated approach across different aviation markets demonstrates the seriousness with which the industry views lithium battery hazards.

The regulatory framework places responsibility on both airlines and passengers. Airlines must ensure compliance with the new rules and promptly report all safety issues and occurrences related to lithium battery incidents to the aviation regulator. This creates a comprehensive reporting system that helps identify patterns and refine safety protocols based on real-world data.

Industry experts suggest that enforcement of these rules requires coordinated effort between regulatory bodies and airlines.

The issue of how much cabin bags flyers carry onboard needs to be tackled either by airlines on their own. And if they can't do so, rules need to be in place to ensure lithium batteries do not make it to baggage hold.

What Passengers Need to Know

The new regulations also emphasize the prevention of lithium batteries from reaching the aircraft's baggage hold. A battery malfunction in the cargo area, remaining undetected, could pose catastrophic risks as it would be inaccessible to crew members and could spread before detection becomes possible. By restricting batteries to hand bags under passenger supervision, the risk of such scenarios is significantly minimized. Travelers planning to fly within India should be aware of several key changes to their packing and in-flight behavior. Power banks can still be brought on flights but must be kept in hand bags and cannot be used for charging during the flight. Passengers should pack their power banks in their carry-on luggage and ensure they are easily accessible if crew members need to inspect them.

The focus on passenger vigilance is also critical. Any device displaying signs of malfunction—including heat emission, smoke, or unusual odors—must be reported to cabin crew without delay. This active participation from passengers creates an additional safety layer and helps ensure that potential incidents are managed before they become serious problems.

These regulations represent an evolution in aviation safety standards as the industry adapts to the challenges posed by increasingly popular lithium battery-powered devices. While the restrictions may require some adjustment in passenger behavior and travel routines, they are designed to protect everyone aboard the aircraft. Understanding and following these guidelines contributes to safer air travel for all passengers and crew members.