DGCA Issues New Rules for Carrying Power Banks on Flights
India’s aviation regulator has raised safety concerns over lithium batteries after a spike in fire-related incidents worldwide. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued detailed guidelines for airlines and airport operators to prevent potential hazards from devices such as power banks, mobile phones, laptops, and tablets.
Lithium Batteries: A Hidden Fire Risk
According to the DGCA, lithium batteries pose a serious onboard fire hazard due to their high energy density and potential for “thermal runaway.” The advisory states, “Power banks, portable chargers, and similar devices containing lithium batteries can act as ignition sources and potentially initiate on-board fires.”
Fires from lithium batteries can be triggered by overheating, overcharging, crushing, internal short circuits, poor manufacturing quality, ageing, or mishandling. Unlike conventional fires, lithium battery fires can be self-sustaining and may even lead to explosions, requiring specialized firefighting techniques.
Guidelines for Airlines
The DGCA has asked airlines to:
Crew training must cover proper firefighting agents and managing secondary hazards like smoke inhalation. Airlines are also instructed to improve passenger communication, advising that power banks and spare batteries should be carried only in hand baggage, not charged during flights, and “Power banks and spare batteries shall not be placed in overhead bins.”
Passengers should also be educated on preventing short circuits, such as using protective cases or covering battery terminals, and to immediately alert crew if a device emits heat, smoke, or unusual odor.
Airports’ Role in Safety
Airport operators must display clear safety information about lithium battery risks at terminals, check-in counters, lounges, boarding gates, and security checkpoints. The aim is to promote awareness and safe handling practices among travelers.
Government Stance
Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the priority of passenger safety, stating, “Whenever the DGCA issues guidelines or rules, it keeps the safety of the people and the aircraft in mind.”
Background: Incidents Prompting Advisory
The advisory follows several recent events, including a power bank fire on an IndiGo flight in Delhi last October and a suspected battery-related fire on an Air Busan aircraft in South Korea earlier this year. These incidents highlight the importance of vigilance and compliance with the new guidelines to ensure safer air travel.
Lithium Batteries: A Hidden Fire Risk
According to the DGCA, lithium batteries pose a serious onboard fire hazard due to their high energy density and potential for “thermal runaway.” The advisory states, “Power banks, portable chargers, and similar devices containing lithium batteries can act as ignition sources and potentially initiate on-board fires.”
Fires from lithium batteries can be triggered by overheating, overcharging, crushing, internal short circuits, poor manufacturing quality, ageing, or mishandling. Unlike conventional fires, lithium battery fires can be self-sustaining and may even lead to explosions, requiring specialized firefighting techniques.
Guidelines for Airlines
The DGCA has asked airlines to:
- Review safety risk assessments for carrying lithium batteries
- Enhance crew training to recognize early signs of thermal runaway such as smoke, overheating, or flames
- Upgrade onboard emergency equipment and protective gear for cabin crew
- Align procedures with ICAO, aircraft manufacturers, and DGCA guidance
Crew training must cover proper firefighting agents and managing secondary hazards like smoke inhalation. Airlines are also instructed to improve passenger communication, advising that power banks and spare batteries should be carried only in hand baggage, not charged during flights, and “Power banks and spare batteries shall not be placed in overhead bins.”
Passengers should also be educated on preventing short circuits, such as using protective cases or covering battery terminals, and to immediately alert crew if a device emits heat, smoke, or unusual odor.
Airports’ Role in Safety
Airport operators must display clear safety information about lithium battery risks at terminals, check-in counters, lounges, boarding gates, and security checkpoints. The aim is to promote awareness and safe handling practices among travelers.
Government Stance
Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the priority of passenger safety, stating, “Whenever the DGCA issues guidelines or rules, it keeps the safety of the people and the aircraft in mind.”
Background: Incidents Prompting Advisory
The advisory follows several recent events, including a power bank fire on an IndiGo flight in Delhi last October and a suspected battery-related fire on an Air Busan aircraft in South Korea earlier this year. These incidents highlight the importance of vigilance and compliance with the new guidelines to ensure safer air travel.
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