Chennai-bound IndiGo flight diverted to Hyderabad after on-board fire: How do power banks catch fire on a plane? | Today’s news
Recently, an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai faced a mid-air crisis as smoke was detected on board. Soon after, the flight was diverted to Hyderabad. According to PTI, smoke was detected from one of the airmen’s personal electronic devices stored in the overhead bin. NDTV reported that a power bank on the plane caught fire.
Fire on IndiGo flight from Delhi
Flight 6E 6115 was diverted to Hyderabad where it landed safely. About 180 passengers and seven crew members were on board the plane, the news agency added.
Several videos of the incident have also surfaced online. In one of them, recorded by a passenger on a mobile phone, other people on board were seen trying to put out the fire with bags.
“IndiGo flight 6E 6115, operating from Delhi to Chennai on 11 October 2026, was diverted to Hyderabad after smoke was detected from a customer’s personal electronic device. Cabin crew responded immediately and the situation was brought under control,” IndiGo said in a statement.
“In accordance with established protocols, the pilots diverted the flight and landed safely at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.”
“We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers due to this unforeseen situation and are making every effort to minimize it, including offering refreshments and sharing timely updates. At IndiGo, the safety of our customers and crew remains our top priority,” it added.
How power banks can catch fire on board
A power bank is usually made using rechargeable lithium batteries at its core.
According to experts, lithium-ion batteries pose a risk to aircraft. Power banks are therefore prohibited in checked baggage. Wion reported that a lithium-ion battery can overheat or suffer an internal failure, setting off a chain reaction that can generate intense heat, release toxic smoke and create flames. In such a case, simply putting out the visible fire may not be enough. The battery still poses a risk because it could catch fire again if the internal temperature remains dangerously high.
A fire caused by a power bank is even more serious in an enclosed space such as an airplane, as smoke, limited space and difficult access to emergency equipment can make the situation complicated and alarming.
what to do
Experts often advise to avoid traveling with a swollen, damaged or contracted power bank. It is also said that one must not ignore unusual heat, burning smell, hissing or smoke. In any such case, it is necessary to notify the flight attendant immediately and never attempt to handle a smoking battery yourself.
