Power Bank Explodes On IndiGo Flight; Here’s What You Should Know About Carrying Power Banks On Flights

A Delhi-Dimapur flight on Sunday experienced a minor fire on board after a passenger’s power bank exploded while the aircraft was taxiing at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The cabin crew was able to control the fire quickly and no one was injured in the order. The incident, however, prompted discussions on stricter guidelines to ensure passenger safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.

IndiGo Aircraft Reports Minor Fire

According to Hindustan Times, an IndiGo flight 6E 2107, flying from Delhi to Dimapur, returned to bay on Sunday after a power bank caught fire while taxiing. The minor fire was taken care of quickly and no injuries were reported. According to the airline, all passengers and crew were safe and the aircraft was cleared for operations after inspection.

As per the Flightradar24.com, flight tracking website, the flight finally took off from Delhi at 2:33 PM and landed in Dimapur at 4:45 PM. It was scheduled to take off from the Delhi airport at 12:25 PM. “The crew managed the situation quickly and diligently following the Standard Operating Procedure and the incident was controlled within seconds,” IndiGo said in a statement.

Also Read: “This Is What IndiGo Calls Gourmet Cuisine?” Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Slams New Stretch Menu; Internet Reacts

Things To Keep In Mind While Carrying Power Bank In Flight

Due to the use of lithium-ion batteries used in power banks, they not only become powerful but also pose a fire hazard in flights. As per reports, the biggest risk associated with lithium-ion batteries is a process called thermal runaway — where the battery overheats and generates heat continuously, potentially triggering a chain reaction that can be difficult to stop. It can result in fire or explosion, and is especially problematic in enclosed spaces of an aircraft.

Here are some power bank rules followed in flights –

1. In India, passengers can carry a power bank in hand and cabin baggage.
2. They can’t carry it in the checked-in baggage as it can pose safety risks in the aircraft’s cargo hold.
3. If a power bank has a capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh, airline approval may be required to carry it. Those above 160 Wh are typically prohibited on passenger flights.
4. International airlines have stricter rules. For example, Emirates banned use of power banks on flights recently.
5. Power banks should be in good condition, have their capacity clearly labelled, and be protected against short circuits.

Also Read: What’s The New Rule For Power Banks Set By The Emirates That Comes Into Effect From October 1?

We hope this information was helpful to you all.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/vitranc (representative image)