Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 4: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited passengers from using power banks to charge mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices during flights, citing serious fire safety risks linked to lithium-ion batteries.
Under the revised safety instructions, power banks must be carried only in hand baggage and should not be used at any stage of the flight, including while connected to seat power outlets.
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Passengers have also been advised not to place power banks in overhead bins and to keep them under close watch to ensure quick response in case of overheating, smoke or sparks.
The decision followed multiple incidents globally where lithium batteries overheated or caught fire onboard aircraft, posing danger to passengers and crew.
As such, airlines have been directed to sensitise cabin crew, make appropriate announcements and strictly enforce the guidelines.
Travellers have also been urged to immediately inform crew members if any electronic device shows signs of malfunction during the flight.
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