DGCA bans specific power banks on flights

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has banned the transportation of MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power banks on flights within India following a recent fire incident involving the device. The incident occurred on an IndiGo flight from Chandigarh to Chennai on October 11, causing the aircraft to divert to Hyderabad for emergency evacuation.

In response, the DGCA issued an airworthiness information circular (AIC) on September 29, 2026, ordering airlines and passengers to prevent the carriage of the specified power bank in either passenger baggage or cargo. The prohibition applies to all flights operating to, from, or within India. The circular emphasizes potential safety risks associated with the power bank after the fire incident.

Airlines are advised to identify and prevent the carriage of the affected power bank, and to communicate the safety advisory to passengers. The directive targets the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model specifically, and does not constitute a blanket ban on all power banks. The decision was signed by DGCA Director General Vir Vikram Yadav. Critics have questioned the rationale behind singling out one obscure brand of power bank, arguing that the order's limited scope reduces its overall utility. They also inquired about the implementation measures for enforcing the order.