India Introduces New Flight Regulations To Control Lithium Battery Use And Ensure Safer Skies For Travelers

Published on October 24, 2025

India introduces new aviation safety rules after a worrying rise in in-flight fires linked to lithium power banks, prompting the country’s air regulator to act decisively. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is now tightening air travel norms to prevent such incidents, reviewing global airline practices, and drafting fresh safety measures that could soon change how passengers carry and use portable chargers in the skies. This move reflects India’s growing focus on flight safety as the demand for personal electronic devices continues to soar among travelers.

India’s skies are set for a major safety overhaul. After multiple in-flight fire incidents linked to lithium-ion power banks, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is preparing new rules to curb the growing threat. The regulator has launched a comprehensive review of international airline policies and safety practices to create a robust framework that could soon redefine how passengers carry and use power banks during air travel.

DGCA Studies Global Standards for Safer Skies

The DGCA is taking a proactive stance by studying technical reports and best practices adopted by leading aviation authorities worldwide. Officials are focusing on guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which have long recognized lithium batteries as a potential in-flight hazard. The move comes in response to a series of incidents across Indian and international carriers that underscored the urgency for better oversight.

Rising Concern Over Battery-Linked Incidents

A few recent cases have drawn sharp attention to the issue. At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, an IndiGo aircraft was forced to halt taxiing after a passenger’s power bank burst into flames. In another IndiGo flight from Dimapur, cabin crew detected smoke from a passenger’s electronic device. Even international carriers have faced similar scares, such as an Air China flight that had to divert due to smoke caused by a malfunctioning lithium battery. These repeated events have made regulators and airlines realize that stricter, more uniform rules are long overdue.

How Other Airlines Have Responded Globally

Airlines across the world have already introduced clear restrictions on carrying and using power banks in-flight. Emirates Airlines took a firm step in October 2025, banning passengers from using or charging power banks mid-air. It allows only one unit under 100 watt-hours (Wh), which must be turned off and stored under the seat—not in overhead bins. Singapore Airlines, Scoot, EVA Air, Thai Airways, and AirAsia have introduced similar measures, capping the number of devices allowed and banning their usage onboard.

These uniform global steps underline one clear message: the aviation industry is prioritizing safety over convenience when it comes to portable power sources.

India’s New Rules May Go Beyond Current Norms

At present, Indian passengers are only allowed to carry power banks in hand luggage, but DGCA’s upcoming rules may be more detailed. Sources suggest that new guidelines could include specific limits on how many devices each traveler can bring, mandatory labeling for watt-hour capacity, and strict instructions on where these devices should be stored. The new policy might also prohibit charging or using power banks during flights altogether.

The regulator’s aim is to strike a balance between safety and practicality. With travelers relying heavily on phones, tablets, and laptops, the DGCA wants to ensure convenience doesn’t compromise cabin security. The updated rules will likely bring India’s aviation safety standards in line with global norms.

Understanding Why Power Banks Can Be Dangerous

Power banks rely on lithium-ion batteries, which, while efficient, carry inherent risks. When damaged or exposed to heat, these cells can enter a “thermal runaway” process — a chain reaction that rapidly increases temperature, causing smoke, fire, or even explosions. Inside an aircraft cabin, where oxygen levels are controlled and space is confined, even a small fire can have severe consequences. That’s why airlines and regulators are moving fast to prevent such events before they occur.

What Passengers Should Do Now

While the DGCA finalizes its updated advisory, passengers are advised to strictly follow the current safety rules:

• Carry power banks only in hand luggage. Checked-in baggage is strictly off-limits.
• Inspect devices before travel. Damaged or swollen batteries pose a higher risk and should not be carried.
• Ensure watt-hour ratings are visible. Airlines require clear labeling to verify compliance.
• Follow watt-hour limits. Units above 100Wh may require airline approval, while anything exceeding 160Wh is prohibited on passenger flights.
• Do not charge devices mid-air. Even if airlines allow power outlets, using personal power banks during flight is risky.

By following these simple precautions, passengers can help minimize the risk of incidents and contribute to a safer flying environment.

Balancing Passenger Comfort and Aviation Safety

As India’s air traffic continues to surge, regulators are under increasing pressure to modernize safety policies. Power banks have become an essential travel accessory, but their risks must be managed with strict discipline. The DGCA’s forthcoming rules will likely blend practicality with preventive safety measures, creating a model other developing aviation markets could follow.

Experts believe this move will also encourage power bank manufacturers to adopt clearer labeling and stronger safety mechanisms to meet aviation standards. This ripple effect could help reduce risks not just in the skies but also in daily use on the ground.

India’s aviation regulator appears determined to turn recent fire scares into a catalyst for reform. The DGCA’s upcoming guidelines will likely mark one of the most significant safety updates for air travelers in recent years. With better regulation, consistent passenger education, and collaboration with airlines, India could soon set a new benchmark for handling lithium-based devices onboard.

India introduces new aviation safety rules after multiple in-flight fire scares caused by power banks, pushing the DGCA to tighten regulations and protect passenger safety across domestic and international flights. The decision follows a rise in lithium battery-related incidents that exposed urgent gaps in onboard safety standards.

Until then, passengers should stay alert, pack responsibly, and remember that a few minutes of precaution can prevent an in-flight emergency. The future of safe travel lies not only in technology but also in awareness — and India’s aviation industry seems ready to take that next step.