New Delhi, Oct 2026 : The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited passengers and airlines from carrying 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 reportedly linked to the powerbank.
DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav has directed all airlines to ensure that the specified powerbank model is neither carried by passengers nor transported as cargo on aircraft. Airlines have also been instructed to identify the affected device, prevent it from being brought on board and communicate the safety advisory to passengers through appropriate channels.
The restriction is limited to the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model and does not amount to a blanket ban on all powerbanks. Passengers have been advised to check the model numbers of their portable batteries before travelling. Those possessing the affected device must not carry it on flights operating within India or to and from the country.
The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of the safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and portable charging devices in aviation.
Under existing DGCA dangerous goods guidelines, powerbanks and spare batteries are permitted only in cabin baggage and must not be placed 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 familiarise passengers with these requirements and ensure that cabin crew receive appropriate training to handle battery-related emergencies. They must also report incidents involving lithium-battery fires or malfunctions to the regulator.
Passengers have been advised to immediately alert cabin crew if an electronic device becomes unusually hot, emits smoke or produces an unusual odour during a flight. Prompt reporting can help the crew respond before a potential hazard escalates.
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in smartphones, laptops, powerbanks and other portable electronic equipment. However, damaged or defective batteries, as well as those subjected to overcharging or improper handling, can overheat and trigger fires.
Such incidents pose particular challenges aboard aircraft, where smoke may spread quickly and access to the affected device can be difficult. The DGCA's model-specific restriction is aimed at preventing further risks associated with the identified powerbank while reinforcing existing precautions for battery-powered devices on flights.
