DGCA bans specific power banks on flights

The order comes after a power bank on an IndiGo flight from Chandigarh to Chennai exploded inside the overhead bin on October 11, forcing the flight to divert to Hyderabad, where an emergency evacuation was carried out. File | Photo credit: Velankanni Raj. B

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has banned the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank from all flights to and from India following the recent fire of the device.

This comes after a power bank on an IndiGo flight from Chandigarh to Chennai exploded inside the overhead bin on October 11, forcing the flight to divert to Hyderabad, where an emergency evacuation was carried out.

In an Airworthiness Information Circular (AIC) dated 29 September 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority directed airlines and passengers to ensure that a specified power bank is not carried on board an aircraft, either as passenger baggage or as cargo. The ban applies to both checked and cabin baggage.

Issued for information, guidance and compliance, the circular lists the potential safety hazards associated with the power bank following a fire. Applies to all flights operating to, from or within India.

The DGCA has also advised the airlines to take appropriate measures to identify and prevent the carriage of the specified power bank. Airlines have been asked to communicate safety advisories to passengers through appropriate channels.

The directive is specific to the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model and does not in itself announce a blanket ban on all power banks.

The recommendation was signed by Director General of Civil Aviation Vir Vikram Yadav.

Critics also questioned the rationale for singling out one relatively obscure brand of power bank, arguing that the limited scope of the order undermined its usefulness.

They also asked how the execution of the contract would be ensured

Published – 14 Oct 2026 14:22 IST