IndiGo Flight Fire Incident Sparks Fresh Concern Over DGCA Power Bank Rules

A routine flight landing turned into panic at Chandigarh airport when an IndiGo aircraft arriving from Hyderabad faced a sudden fire incident involving a passenger’s power bank. As the plane had just parked and passengers were preparing to disembark, smoke quickly filled the cabin, forcing an emergency evacuation. In the chaos, passengers rushed toward exits as crew members acted swiftly to control the situation

According to airport officials, the incident left six passengers injured, who were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The rest of the passengers were safely evacuated without further harm. What started as a normal arrival soon escalated into confusion and alarm inside the aircraft, raising fresh concerns about onboard safety protocols related to battery powered devices

Interestingly, this incident has once again brought attention to the aviation safety guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Earlier this year, the regulator had already updated its advisory regarding the use and carriage of power banks on flights. The recent fire has now revived public discussion around whether current rules are strict enough or need further tightening

The DGCA guidelines clearly state that power banks are allowed on flights, but only in cabin baggage. Passengers are not permitted to store them in overhead bins due to the risk of delayed detection in case of overheating or fire. The idea is to ensure that any unusual activity such as smoke or heat can be noticed quickly and handled immediately by cabin crew

Another important rule prohibits the use of power banks for charging mobile phones or other electronic devices during the flight. This restriction is meant to reduce the chances of overheating or short circuits while the device is in use at cruising altitude. The rules are designed to minimize risks associated with lithium battery failures, which are considered a known aviation hazard

Following DGCA instructions, airlines are also required to make regular announcements to passengers during flights. These reminders inform travelers to carry power banks only in hand luggage, avoid using them during the journey, and immediately alert cabin crew if any device shows signs of heat, smoke, or unusual smell. Passengers are also advised to ensure proper insulation of batteries to prevent accidental short circuits

While investigations into the Chandigarh incident are expected to continue, the episode has once again highlighted how a small device can create a major safety scare onboard an aircraft. It has also reinforced the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety rules that are often overlooked during routine travel, but become critical in emergencies like this one