chsyys/GettyImages
A portable charger is a common item found in many travel bags. However, a power bank caught fire on an IndiGo flight, leading to the plane having to divert and make an emergency landing in Hyderabad, India.
IndiGo Flight 6E 6115 experienced a fire in an overhead luggage compartment while en route from Delhi to Chennai on October 11. The fire was put out by the cabin crew, and the plane safely landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport with approximately 180 passengers and seven crew members on board.
Passengers onboard an IndiGo flight were seen in a video trying to put out a power bank fire in the overhead compartment, as captured in footage shared online. No injuries were reported during the incident.
IndiGo reported that smoke was found coming from a passenger’s electronic device, which local reports identified as a power bank.
The airline stated that the cabin crew acted quickly, resolving the situation. IndiGo provided a new aircraft to proceed to Chennai, and authorities have initiated an inquiry.
Is it permissible to bring a portable charger on an airplane?
The event highlights a well-known travel item and the regulations regarding its inclusion in luggage.
IndiGo’s baggage policy requires power banks to be kept within reach of passengers, like under the seat, in a seat pocket, or on their person. They are not allowed to be placed in overhead compartments or checked baggage. Additionally, passengers are not allowed to use, charge, or recharge power banks during the flight as per the cabin baggage guidelines.
The limitations are a component of a broader effort to manage battery hazards on airplanes. In March, the International Civil Aviation Organization implemented fresh guidelines that restrict passengers to two power banks and prohibit them from recharging these banks while on flights.
U.S. travelers must place power banks in their carry-on luggage according to regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. If checked at the gate, power banks should be removed and kept in the cabin. Protect battery terminals from short circuits and verify airline rules for any additional restrictions.
- Iniu’s latest durable power bank is priced at less than $55 and is both waterproof and drop-tested.
- Have someone else arrange your inexpensive vacation flights for a one-time fee of $40.
- Top accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro include MagSafe power banks, grips, lanyards, and other items.
- Belkin recently unveiled a large new assortment of power banks, dual-network trackers, and magnetic stands.
Why do power banks have the potential to ignite?
Power banks usually employ lithium-ion batteries, which are the same rechargeable battery technology used in smartphones and laptops. The FAA warns that these batteries have the potential to overheat and experience “thermal runaway,” a phenomenon in which temperatures escalate uncontrollably and may result in the production of gases and flames. Battery fires can also be caused by damage and short-circuited terminals.
Approximately 1.16 million Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks were recalled in the U.S. in June 2025 due to the risk of overheating batteries. The recall was for model A1263 units with specific serial numbers.
The news coverage of the IndiGo power bank fire on Sunday did not mention the specific brand or model of the charger.
Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories and Deals newsletters today to discover how to maximize your technology experience.
Viral videos and gadgets are some of the subjects covered.
Olivia Tauber, located in New York, is the deputy editor of digital culture and has written for various publications such as The New York Times, Vanity Fair, and Teen Vogue. She is a graduate of NYU with a Master’s degree in Journalism and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Additionally, she manages a weekly pop-culture newsletter called Fan Mail.
