If you are the type of traveler who relies on a portable charger to keep your phone alive during a flight, your travel routine is about to change drastically. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a strict new advisory that effectively ends the era of charging your devices with power banks while airborne.
As of January 2026, the rules for carrying and using lithium-ion batteries on Indian flights have tightened significantly to ensure passenger safety. Here is the full breakdown of what you can and cannot do.
The Core Update: “Carry, Don’t Click”
The headline is simple but critical: You can still carry your power bank, but you cannot turn it on.
The DGCA’s latest circular prohibits the usage of power banks to charge mobile phones, tablets, or laptops during the flight. This applies to all airlines operating within or departing from India.
- Old Habit: Plugging your phone into a power bank in your lap.
This update isn’t just about charging; it changes where you put your battery packs.
- Strictly Hand Baggage: As always, power banks are banned in check-in luggage.
- No Overhead Compartments: Under the new guidelines, you are not allowed to stow power banks in the overhead bins.
- Keep It Close: You must keep your power bank in your personal handbag or under the seat in front of you.
The Logic: The cabin crew needs to be able to see the device. If a battery begins to overheat or smoke (a process called “thermal runaway”), it is much harder to detect and extinguish if it is buried inside a suitcase in a closed overhead bin.
The “Why”: Understanding Thermal Runaway
You might wonder, “Why now?” The decision follows a global surge in safety protocols regarding lithium-ion batteries.
- The Risk: Damaged or poor-quality batteries can suffer from thermal runaway – a chemical reaction where the battery heats up uncontrollably, potentially causing a fire that is difficult to put out with standard extinguishers.
- Global Trend: India is following the lead of international carriers like Emirates and Singapore Airlines, which implemented similar bans in late 2025.
At a Glance: Power Bank Do’s and Don’ts
To keep you out of trouble with the cabin crew, here is a quick cheat sheet for your next flight:
| Action | Status | Rule |
| Carry in Cabin Bag | ALLOWED | Must be in hand luggage only. |
| Carry in Check-in | BANNED | Never put batteries in the cargo hold. |
| Use to Charge Phone | BANNED | Device must be off during flight. |
| Stow in Overhead Bin | BANNED | Must be kept in a bag near your seat/feet. |
| Charge the Power Bank | BANNED | Do not plug the power bank into the seat’s USB port. |
Impact on Your Travel Plans
This move shifts the responsibility of battery management entirely to the passenger before they board.
- Charge Before You Board: Airport charging stations are now your best friend. Ensure your devices are at 100% before you step onto the jet bridge.
- Check Airline Limits: While the DGCA sets the baseline, airlines like Indigo, Air India, or Vistara may have specific Watt-hour (Wh) limits (usually max 100Wh) for what you can carry.
- Listen to the Crew: Cabin crew are now mandated to make announcements regarding this. Ignoring them can be seen as a violation of safety instructions.
Final Word: This inconvenience is a small price to pay for fire safety at 35,000 feet. The next time you fly, pack that power bank, but keep it switched off and within sight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I still bring my power bank on the plane?
Yes, you can still bring it, but it must be in your hand baggage only. It is strictly prohibited in check-in luggage.
Can I use my power bank to charge my phone mid-flight?
No. The new DGCA advisory explicitly bans the usage of power banks during the flight. You cannot use it to charge any device while airborne.
Why can’t I put my power bank in the overhead bin?
Placing it in the overhead bin hides it from view. If the battery overheats or starts smoking, the crew needs to see it immediately to prevent a fire, so it must be kept near you (e.g., under the seat).
Can I charge my power bank using the seat’s USB port?
No. You are not allowed to plug the power bank into the aircraft’s power system. This prevents electrical surges or overheating issues during the flight.
What is the limit for power bank capacity in India?
Generally, power banks must be under 100 Watt-hours (Wh). For anything between 100Wh and 160Wh, you usually need airline approval. Anything above 160Wh is completely banned.
Does this apply to international flights leaving India?
Yes. All flights departing from Indian airports, regardless of the destination or airline, must adhere to DGCA safety regulations.
What happens if I accidentally leave a power bank in check-in bags?
Your bag will likely be flagged during X-ray screening. You will be called back to remove it, or the security team may remove and confiscate it, causing delays or loss of the item.
Can I use my laptop if it has a built-in battery?
Yes, using a laptop or phone on its own internal battery is allowed (usually in Flight Mode). The ban specifically targets the use of external power banks to charge those devices.
Are there fines for using a power bank inflight?
While specific fines vary, disobeying cabin crew instructions is a serious offense. You could be warned, and persistent refusal to comply can be treated as “unruly behavior.”
Why are lithium batteries considered dangerous?
They contain high-energy density chemicals. If damaged, short-circuited, or crushed, they can enter “thermal runaway,” creating intense heat and toxic smoke that is very dangerous in a pressurized cabin.
