Power Banks Banned on Flights: What You Need to Know About the New Safety Rules
Air travel has always been about balancing convenience with safety. Over the years, airlines have brought in new technology to make journeys more comfortable—from in-seat entertainment to USB charging ports. But with every innovation comes new risks. The latest change to India's aviation safety rules makes this clear: passengers can no longer use their personal power banks to charge devices during flights.
What's Changed
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's aviation regulator, has recently issued a directive banning the use of power banks during flights. Whilst travellers can still carry them in their hand luggage, they're now strictly forbidden from plugging them in or using them to charge phones, laptops, or other gadgets once they're on board. This decision comes from growing concerns about lithium-ion batteries—the very technology that makes power banks so useful but also potentially dangerous.
Why the Ban?
Lithium batteries are compact, powerful, and found in nearly every modern device. However, they can also be volatile. If they're damaged, poorly made, or exposed to heat, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode. In the confined space of an aircraft cabin, an incident like this can quickly turn into a serious emergency. Globally, there have been several mid-air scares linked to overheating batteries, and regulators are increasingly treating them as an "emerging safety risk." India's move follows similar restrictions already adopted by international carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
What It Means for Passengers
For passengers, the ban might feel inconvenient. Many of us have got used to topping up our devices mid-flight, especially on long journeys. Now, travellers will need to make sure their phones and laptops are fully charged before boarding, or rely on the airline's built-in charging systems—if they have them. Even then, the rules make it clear that power banks mustn't be connected to seat outlets or stored in overhead lockers, where a fire could go unnoticed until it's too late.
It's About Prevention
The DGCA's announcement isn't simply about inconvenience—it's about prevention. Fires caused by lithium batteries are notoriously difficult to put out. Unlike other materials, they can reignite even after being doused with water. By removing the possibility of passengers using power banks in-flight, regulators hope to reduce the risk of such incidents altogether. Airlines are now expected to remind passengers of these rules during boarding announcements, making sure everyone's aware.
Safety First, Always
This change also reflects a wider trend in aviation: safety always comes before convenience. Whilst passengers might grumble about losing the ability to charge their devices freely, the reality is that a single fire in the sky could endanger hundreds of lives. The ban is a precautionary measure, designed to protect travellers from a risk that's invisible until it becomes catastrophic.
What You Should Do
In practical terms, passengers should adapt by charging devices before leaving home, carrying power banks only in cabin baggage, and resisting the temptation to use them during the flight. It's a small change in behaviour, but one that could make a significant difference to overall safety.
The Bottom Line
The DGCA's new rules on power banks remind us that aviation safety is constantly evolving. As technology advances, so must the regulations that govern it. The ban might feel like a step backwards in convenience, but it's undeniably a step forward in protecting lives. Air travel has always required trust between passengers and regulators, and this latest directive is another example of safety being placed firmly above comfort.