New Delhi, October 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited the carriage and transportation of the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 powerbank on all flights operating to, from and within India following a fire incident involving the device aboard an IndiGo aircraft.
The aviation regulator issued the directive after an IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday following a fire linked to the powerbank.
DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav directed airlines to ensure that the specified model is neither carried by passengers nor transported as cargo on aircraft. Airlines have also been instructed to identify the affected device, prevent it from being brought on board and communicate the safety advisory to passengers.
The restriction applies specifically to the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model and does not amount to a blanket ban on all powerbanks. Passengers have been advised to check the model number of their portable batteries before travelling. Those owning the affected device must not carry it on flights operating within India or to and from the country.
The action comes amid tighter safety measures governing lithium-ion batteries and portable chargers in aviation. Under existing DGCA dangerous goods guidelines, powerbanks and spare batteries are permitted only in cabin baggage and cannot be stored in overhead compartments.
Passengers are also prohibited from using powerbanks to charge mobile phones or other electronic devices during flights, including through aircraft seat power outlets.
Airlines have been directed to educate passengers about battery safety requirements, train cabin crew to respond to battery-related incidents and report fires or malfunctions involving lithium batteries to the regulator.
Passengers must immediately alert cabin crew if an electronic device overheats, emits smoke or releases an unusual odour during a flight.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in portable electronic devices but can pose a fire hazard if damaged, defective, overcharged or handled improperly. Such incidents are particularly dangerous aboard aircraft because smoke can spread quickly and access to the affected device may be restricted.
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