By Admin 
Even today, many passengers in flights are unknowingly or carelessly repeating the same mistakes which can lead to incidents like fire, smoke or short circuit during flight. This reason is none other than the power bank found in everyone’s luggage. Do you know that it is prohibited to use a power bank or charge a mobile phone during a flight?
It has been seen at many airports in the country that even today, passengers are being careless about power banks in flights even though its rules were decided only in November 2025. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation i.e. DGCA had clearly said at that time that power banks and lithium battery devices can become a big threat to the safety inside the aircraft.
What rules did DGCA tell in November?
According to the circular issued by DGCA in November, lithium batteries used in mobiles, laptops, tablets and power banks are of high energy content and can catch fire in case of overheating, poor quality or short circuit. The danger increases especially when the power bank is kept in the check-in bag or overhead bin because it is not possible to keep an eye on it immediately.
As per rules, passengers can carry power banks and spare lithium batteries only in hand baggage. Keeping it in the check-in bag is completely prohibited, but passengers are often seen making mistakes in this regard. DGCA has also clarified that keeping the power bank in the overhead bin should be avoided and it should be kept at a place where the passenger can keep an eye on it himself. Its purpose is that in case of any kind of irregularity, immediate action can be taken.
What to do if smoke comes out of power bank?
It is also clearly written in the DGCA circular that it is prohibited to use a power bank or charge a mobile phone during a flight. Despite this, many passengers are seen charging their mobile phones during flight, which is a violation of rules and also dangerous from security point of view. If excessive heat is felt, smoke comes out or strange smell comes from the power bank or any device, then passengers should immediately inform the cabin crew about it.
To prevent short circuit, DGCA has advised passengers to always keep the power bank in a protective cover or case. The terminals of the battery should not be open so that spark does not occur due to contact with metal or any other reason, a small precaution can avoid a big accident.
What instructions were given to the airlines?
In the same circular of November, airlines and airport operators were also instructed to continuously make passengers aware of these rules. Information was asked to be given through announcements, posters, videos and digital screens at the airport and inside the aircraft. Apart from this, it has also been said that it is necessary to provide training to the cabin crew to deal with fire or emergency situations related to lithium batteries.
Overall, carrying a power bank in a flight is not a new issue. DGCA had clarified the rules in November 2025 itself. It is important that passengers take these rules seriously and avoid repeating mistakes because even a small carelessness related to the power bank can become a big threat to the safety of the entire aircraft and all the passengers on board.