Video: Power bank bursts into flames on Delhi-Chennai IndiGo flight, sparks panic

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai experienced a harrowing incident after a power bank reportedly ignited inside an overhead luggage compartment, prompting the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Hyderabad. Video footage captured by a passenger showed flames and an orange glow engulfing the overhead compartment as frightened travelers struggled to control the blaze.

Several passengers attempted to smother the fire by dabbing at it with their belongings, while the cabin crew swiftly deployed onboard fire extinguishers to extinguish the flames. Upon landing, all passengers and crew members were confirmed unharmed. The incident has reignited discussions about the potential dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries carried onboard commercial flights.

The video footage depicts passengers standing in the aisle and reaching towards the overhead compartment as the fire raged above their heads. The incident reportedly originated when a malfunctioning power bank caught fire within the luggage bin. Despite the flames being brought under control, the crew opted to divert the flight to Hyderabad as a precautionary measure.

No injuries were reported during the incident. Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in power banks, are prone to overheating if damaged, defective or subject to an internal electrical fault. In rare instances, this can lead to thermal runaway, a process where a battery rapidly generates heat and may emit smoke, flames or flammable gases.

Such fires pose significant risks in confined spaces like aircraft cabins. Aviation safety protocols typically require passengers to store power banks in cabin baggage rather than checked luggage, enabling crew members to respond swiftly if a battery overheats, smokes or catches fire. Similar incidents involving power bank fires during flights have occurred in the past.

In March 2025, a Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Hong Kong was diverted to Fuzhou after a power bank ignited in an overhead luggage compartment. Video footage revealed flames emanating from the compartment as passengers and crew members responded to the emergency, and the aircraft landed safely. In July 2025, a Virgin Australia flight encountered an overhead locker fire caused by a passenger's power bank, which the cabin crew extinguished before the aircraft landed in Hobart.

These incidents underscore the critical importance of proper battery storage and the immediate action taken by cabin crew when smoke or flames are detected. Although lithium-ion battery fires are relatively rare compared to the vast number of devices transported daily on flights, aviation authorities continue to caution passengers about the potential risks posed by damaged or defective batteries.