In a significant move aimed at bolstering passenger safety, India's aviation regulator has issued a strict ban on the use of personal power banks for charging electronic devices during flights. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) released updated guidelines on January 4, 2026, fundamentally changing how travellers can keep their gadgets powered while in the air.
What Do the New DGCA Guidelines Say?
The core of the new directive is clear and unambiguous: passengers are now prohibited from using their own power banks or portable chargers to charge phones, laptops, tablets, or any other electronic device once onboard an aircraft. This rule applies throughout the flight duration, from the moment the aircraft doors close until they are reopened after landing.
The rationale behind this decision is rooted in a critical safety assessment. The DGCA has identified the lithium-ion batteries inside power banks as a potential fire hazard, especially in the pressurised cabin environment of an aircraft. These batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode if they are damaged, defective, or of poor quality. A fire incident mid-air, where options for containment are limited, poses an extreme risk to all onboard.
However, the new rules are not just about restrictions. They also outline what is permitted. Airlines are now mandated to provide safe, alternative charging solutions for passengers. The primary approved method is the use of USB charging ports or in-seat power outlets installed and maintained by the airline itself. These systems are designed and certified to meet stringent aviation safety standards, significantly reducing any associated risk.
Carry-On vs. Checked Luggage: The Power Bank Rules
While their use in-flight is banned, passengers can still carry power banks in their hand luggage, subject to existing capacity restrictions. The DGCA reiterated the existing rule that power banks with a rating exceeding 100 watt-hours (Wh) are strictly prohibited on all passenger aircraft. For those between 160Wh and 300Wh, airline approval is required, and only two such devices per passenger are allowed. Most common power banks for smartphones fall well below the 100Wh limit.
The key change is that these power banks, while carried onboard, must remain unused and stored securely throughout the flight. They are meant to be used before boarding or after deplaning. The regulator has also explicitly banned placing power banks in checked baggage, a rule long in place due to the even greater danger of an undetected fire in the cargo hold.
Implications for Airlines and Passengers
The new guidelines place a direct responsibility on airlines. They must ensure their fleets are equipped with functional and accessible charging points for passengers. This may lead to accelerated retrofitting of older aircraft. Furthermore, cabin crew will need to be vigilant in enforcing this new rule, which adds to their safety management duties during a flight.
For the average flyer, this means a shift in travel habits. Passengers are advised to:
- Ensure their devices are fully charged before heading to the airport.
- Carry a power bank in their carry-on bag for use in the terminal, but be prepared to stow it away once on the plane.
- Utilise the airline-provided USB ports for charging needs during the journey.
- Invest in good quality power banks from reputable brands, as these are generally safer and more reliable, even when not in use onboard.
This proactive step by the DGCA aligns with a global focus on mitigating risks associated with lithium batteries in aviation. It underscores the principle that convenience must never compromise safety, especially at 30,000 feet. The January 4, 2026, guidelines mark a new chapter in Indian aviation safety, aiming to prevent incidents before they can occur and ensuring a safer travel experience for millions.
