No Power Bank Charging On Flights As India Tightens Aviation Safety Norms
India has introduced stricter in-flight safety norms governing the use of power banks and other lithium battery-powered devices, responding to growing global concerns over battery-related fire incidents. Under the revised rules, passengers are no longer allowed to use power banks to charge mobile phones or electronic gadgets during flights, including through aircraft seat power outlets. The move is aimed at strengthening cabin safety as air travel volumes rise and personal electronic devices become increasingly common on board.
The restriction is designed to ensure that such devices remain visible and accessible throughout the flight, allowing quicker action in case of overheating, smoke, or fire. Charging power banks during flights has also been explicitly disallowed to reduce the chances of thermal runaway.
Battery incidents may be triggered by overheating, overcharging, internal short circuits, physical damage, or manufacturing defects. Ageing batteries and rough handling further increase the risk. Unlike conventional fires, lithium battery fires often require specialised handling and can cause electronic devices to rupture or explode, intensifying the danger.
Special emphasis has been placed on improving crew preparedness. Cabin crew are expected to recognise early warning signs such as unusual heat, smoke, or burning smells from electronic devices. Airlines have also been asked to ensure that firefighting equipment and protective gear are readily accessible and suitable for handling battery-related incidents.
Passengers are required to inform cabin crew without delay if any electronic device emits heat, smoke, or an abnormal odour. Airlines, in turn, must report all battery-related safety occurrences to aviation authorities to enable better monitoring and preventive action.
Airports have been encouraged to work closely with airlines to educate travellers on the safe handling of power banks and battery-powered devices, including discouraging last-minute charging just before boarding.
With passenger traffic increasing steadily, authorities have underlined that preventing battery-related incidents requires a combined effort involving stricter airline checks, better-trained crew, informed passengers, and coordinated airport messaging. The overall objective is to minimise risks while maintaining smooth and safe flight operations.
Power Banks Restricted To Hand Luggage Only
Under the updated safety framework, power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand luggage and must not be placed in overhead compartments. Aviation authorities have flagged that fires originating in overhead bins are significantly harder to detect and control, posing serious risks to passengers and crew.The restriction is designed to ensure that such devices remain visible and accessible throughout the flight, allowing quicker action in case of overheating, smoke, or fire. Charging power banks during flights has also been explicitly disallowed to reduce the chances of thermal runaway.
Why Lithium Batteries Pose A Serious Threat In The Air
Lithium batteries are considered particularly hazardous in enclosed environments like aircraft cabins due to their highly energetic nature. Fires linked to these batteries can escalate rapidly and, in some cases, become self-sustaining.Battery incidents may be triggered by overheating, overcharging, internal short circuits, physical damage, or manufacturing defects. Ageing batteries and rough handling further increase the risk. Unlike conventional fires, lithium battery fires often require specialised handling and can cause electronic devices to rupture or explode, intensifying the danger.
Airlines Asked To Strengthen Safety Measures
Airlines have been directed to review and upgrade their existing safety risk assessments related to lithium batteries carried by passengers. The focus is on early detection, rapid response, and effective firefighting inside the cabin.Special emphasis has been placed on improving crew preparedness. Cabin crew are expected to recognise early warning signs such as unusual heat, smoke, or burning smells from electronic devices. Airlines have also been asked to ensure that firefighting equipment and protective gear are readily accessible and suitable for handling battery-related incidents.
Mandatory Passenger Announcements And Awareness Drive
Passenger awareness forms a key part of the new safety approach. Airlines have been instructed to make inflight announcements explaining the risks associated with lithium batteries and the importance of reporting any unusual device behaviour immediately.Passengers are required to inform cabin crew without delay if any electronic device emits heat, smoke, or an abnormal odour. Airlines, in turn, must report all battery-related safety occurrences to aviation authorities to enable better monitoring and preventive action.
Airports Directed To Display Safety Warnings
Airport operators have also been brought into the safety loop. Terminals are expected to display clear warnings and visual messages highlighting lithium battery fire risks at strategic locations such as entrances, check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.Airports have been encouraged to work closely with airlines to educate travellers on the safe handling of power banks and battery-powered devices, including discouraging last-minute charging just before boarding.
Rise In Global Incidents Prompts Stricter Action
The advisory follows a noticeable rise in incidents worldwide where lithium batteries carried on board aircraft were suspected to have caused fires or smoke emergencies. Recent cases involving power banks overheating during taxiing or while parked at airports have reinforced the need for tighter controls.With passenger traffic increasing steadily, authorities have underlined that preventing battery-related incidents requires a combined effort involving stricter airline checks, better-trained crew, informed passengers, and coordinated airport messaging. The overall objective is to minimise risks while maintaining smooth and safe flight operations.
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