The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has banned the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank on all flights to, from, or within India after a recent fire incident involving the device onboard an IndiGo aircraft. This ban prohibits passengers and airlines from carrying the power bank in checked-in baggage, cabin baggage, or as cargo to prevent similar safety hazards.
- The MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank is banned on all Indian flights.
- The ban applies to passenger baggage and cargo transport.
- The decision follows a fire incident on IndiGo flight 6E 6115.
- The flight was safely diverted to Hyderabad after smoke was detected.
- The DGCA's ban targets this specific model, not all power banks.
What happened during the IndiGo flight fire incident?
On October 11, 2026, IndiGo flight 6E 6115, traveling from Delhi to Chennai with about 180 passengers and seven crew members, experienced a fire incident. Smoke was detected coming from an overhead bin where a passenger's personal electronic device was stored. The cabin crew quickly responded and managed to control the situation by extinguishing the fire.
Following established safety protocols, the pilots diverted the flight to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, where the aircraft landed safely. The incident involved a power bank that caught fire, prompting immediate action to ensure passenger safety.
Why did the DGCA ban the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank?
The DGCA issued a directive on September 29, 2026, prohibiting the carriage and use of the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank on all flights to, from, or within India. This decision was made after the recent fire incident involving the device onboard the IndiGo flight. The regulator emphasized that the power bank should not be carried in passenger baggage, whether checked-in or cabin baggage, nor transported as cargo.
This ban aims to prevent further incidents that could jeopardize the safety of passengers and crew during flights.
Has this power bank caused other incidents?
Yes, the fire on IndiGo flight 6E 6115 was at least the third incident involving a power bank catching fire onboard an IndiGo aircraft within the past year. These repeated safety concerns have led the DGCA to take strict action against the specific MOBIKINS model.
Does the ban apply to all power banks?
No, the DGCA's directive specifically bans the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank model. Other power banks are not banned under this directive, but passengers should always follow airline and regulatory guidelines regarding electronic devices and batteries.
What actions did IndiGo take after the incident?
IndiGo promptly responded to the fire by having the cabin crew extinguish it and diverting the flight safely to Hyderabad. The airline arranged an alternative aircraft to continue the journey to Chennai for the affected passengers. IndiGo also issued a statement confirming the safe handling of the situation and adherence to safety protocols.
