If you’re planning to travel by air in India soon, here’s an important update you shouldn’t miss. From January 4, 2026, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) India’s aviation safety regulator has introduced a stricter rule that prohibits the use of power banks to charge electronic devices during flights. This means you can still carry a power bank in your hand luggage, but you cannot use it to charge your phone, tablet, or laptop while the plane is in the air.
Why This New Rule Was Introduced
The DGCA’s move comes after growing safety concerns related to lithium-ion battery fires aboard aircraft. In one reported case late last year, a power bank overheated and caught fire on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Dimapur, though no passengers were injured. Aviation regulators took this incident seriously and decided stricter rules were necessary to avoid fire hazards in the confined space of an aircraft cabin.
What the Rule Actually Says
Under the updated guidelines:
✈ Charging Devices with Power Banks in Flight is Banned — You cannot use a power bank to charge any gadget mid-air.
🔌 No Plugging Power Banks into In-Seat Power Systems — Even if your seat has a USB or power outlet, you must not connect your power bank to it.
🎒 Carry-On Only — Power banks must be carried in your cabin (hand) luggage and not stored in checked baggage.
📏 Capacity Limits Still Apply — Smaller power banks (under 100 Wh) are allowed in carry-on bags; larger units between 101 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval, and anything above 160 Wh is generally not permitted.
What Passengers Should Do
Here’s how you can prepare before your next flight:
✔ Fully charge your smartphone, tablet, or laptop before you board.
✔ Keep the power bank in your hand luggage — never in checked baggage.
✔ If you have a high-capacity power bank (101–160 Wh), check with your airline for approval.
✔ Avoid using your power bank onboard, even if the aircraft has charging ports; this is now officially banned.
Safety First: Why This Matters
Lithium-ion batteries inside power banks can sometimes overheat or experience thermal runaway, which can lead to smoke or fire. In the tight environment of an aircraft cabin, even a small battery fire is dangerous. The DGCA’s new rule aligns with similar safety approaches taken by some international airlines, which have banned inflight power bank use to protect passengers and crew.
Quick Summary
Rule | Status |
|---|---|
Carry power bank on flight | ✔ Allowed in cabin baggage |
Use power bank to charge devices in air | ❌ Banned from Jan 4 2026 |
Plug power bank into seat power supply | ❌ Not allowed |
Checked baggage storage | ❌ Not allowed |
Capacity limit | ≤100 Wh typically allowed; 101–160 Wh needs approval; >160 Wh banned |
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a casual traveler, this new DGCA rule on power banks is crucial for your next trip. Charge up before your flight, and keep your power bank handy in your carry-on — but remember, no inflight charging with power banks from Jan 4, 2026 onward. Travel smart, stay safe!
