Concerns Over Power Bank Safety Aboard Flights

Summary of Key Points:

Recent Incidents

• Emergency Landings: A Chennai-bound IndiGo flight made an emergency landing due to a passenger's power bank catching fire mid-air. This follows a similar incident in May where a power bank explosion caused an emergency evacuation on a Chandigarh-bound flight.

Safety Concerns with Lithium-ion Batteries

• Fire Risks: Concerns have been raised about the safety of lithium-ion battery-powered devices, particularly power banks, during flights. The batteries can overheat and combust under certain conditions, such as mechanical vibrations during landing or low-quality manufacturing.
• Expert Insights: Sagar Mitra from IIT Bombay outlined that internal short circuits and manufacturing defects can lead to power bank fires. Vivek Panchal, MD at Powertron, advised maintaining a state-of-charge (SOC) at 80% to minimize risks.

Regulatory Framework

• Airline Regulations: Most Indian airlines, including IndiGo, prohibit power banks in checked baggage but allow them in cabin baggage under specific conditions. Regulations are put in place to ensure immediate detection of any combustion risks by crew members.
• DGCA Advisory: In November 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an advisory prohibiting the use or charging of power banks during flights and advised against storing them in overhead bins to ensure quick access in emergencies.

International Guidelines

• Global Precedents: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) prohibited the transport of lithium-ion batteries in cargo holds of passenger aircraft in 2016 due to fire hazards. Similar incidents worldwide have raised alarms, including a power bank explosion on an Air Arabia flight in June 2024 and another incident that damaged a South Korean aircraft in March 2025.

Recommendations for Passengers

• Usage Guidelines: Passengers are advised to:
  • Avoid exposing power banks to temperatures above 55°C.
  • Ensure power banks have an inbuilt over-temperature cut-off system.
  • Discontinue use of any power bank that shows signs of overheating, swelling, or leakage.

Scientific Background

• Lithium-ion Technology: Power banks typically use lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) cells, which, if manufactured poorly or made from counterfeit parts, can lead to combustion. The safety of these batteries is heavily reliant on their quality and manufacturing standards.

Conclusion

The safety of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in portable power banks, remains an ongoing concern in aviation. Current regulations and advisories aim to mitigate risks by controlling the conditions under which these devices can be transported and used on airplanes. Passengers are urged to be vigilant and informed about safe practices when traveling with these devices.