The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued a fresh safety directive that directly impacts how passengers use electronic gadgets while flying. In a move aimed at reducing the risk of onboard fires, the aviation regulator has disallowed the use of power banks and the charging of lithium battery fitted devices during flights. The decision comes amid growing global concern over incidents involving lithium battery overheating and fires in confined aircraft cabins.
According to the new directive, passengers are no longer permitted to use power banks to charge mobile phones, tablets, laptops or any other electronic devices while the aircraft is in operation. This restriction applies throughout the duration of the flight, including cruising altitude, and is not limited to any specific airline. The rule has been communicated to airlines, which have begun reinforcing it through onboard announcements and cabin crew monitoring.
While the use of power banks during flights has been disallowed, passengers are still allowed to carry them, but only in hand baggage. Power banks and spare lithium batteries remain strictly prohibited in checked luggage due to the difficulty of detecting and controlling fires in the cargo hold. Aviation experts have also advised that such devices should be kept within reach and not placed in overhead compartments, where early signs of overheating may go unnoticed.
The rationale behind this decision lies in the nature of lithium ion batteries. These batteries, commonly used in power banks and modern gadgets, can enter a state known as thermal runaway if damaged, overheated or defective. In an aircraft environment, even a small battery fire can escalate quickly, posing serious risks to passengers and crew. Several recent incidents worldwide have prompted regulators to tighten norms around the use of personal electronic devices during air travel.
Airlines operating in India are expected to strictly enforce the directive issued by Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Passengers found using power banks for charging during flights may be asked to stop immediately, and repeated violations could invite further action as per airline policies. The focus, authorities say, is not on inconvenience but on ensuring collective safety at 35,000 feet.
For travelers, the change means planning ahead. Charging devices fully before boarding, switching phones to low power modes and relying on in seat power outlets only for direct charging where permitted by airlines can help avoid discomfort. The regulator has also urged passengers to immediately inform cabin crew if any electronic device feels unusually warm or emits smoke or odor.
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