In early 2026, Indian civil aviation authorities reinforced safety rules for spare lithium power banks after a series of global cabin incidents. Indian media reported that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed airlines to bar passengers from using power banks to charge phones, tablets, or laptops during flight, and from charging power banks from aircraft seat or USB outlets. The intent is to reduce in-flight thermal runaway risk while keeping batteries in the cabin where crew can respond.
What changed for travellers in India
- In-flight use — Passengers should assume they must not use a power bank to charge devices during the flight, and must not recharge the power bank from onboard power, as widely reported in January 2026.
- Stowage — Power banks and spare lithium batteries must remain in hand baggage only (never checked). Reports indicate airlines were instructed to keep them out of overhead bins where a fire is harder to detect; keep yours in your seat area or bag as crew direct.
- Capacity — The usual international limits still apply: typically up to 100 Wh without airline approval, and 100–160 Wh only with operator permission; above 160 Wh is not carried on passenger flights. Confirm on your ticketed airline’s site.
Why it matters
Lithium-ion power banks can fail violently if damaged or defective. Regulators worldwide already ban them from checked bags; India’s 2026 emphasis is on how spare batteries are handled in the cabin — especially during cruise when passengers are charging many devices at once.
Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine — DGCA / power banks on board · Telegraph India — DGCA restrictions · Moneycontrol — overview · BCAS India — lithium batteries (reference)