Power Banks Not Allowed in Overhead Compartments Under New DGCA Norms

You would no longer be able to charge or use your power bank while traveling. In view of the recent spate of incidents involving fires in lithium batteries, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has come out with a new Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular. According to the new rule, the use or charging of power banks on flights has become strictly prohibited.

In most cases, passengers will charge the power bank by connecting it to the USB port or the power supply arrangement supplied in the seating of the flight. According to the new rule, passengers can only carry power banks in handbags. Power banks or lithium batteries will not be allowed in overhead compartments, as they can make it difficult to immediately detect smoke or fire.

Experts have noted that the most critical area would be the baggage compartment (lower compartment of the plane). Often, if the overhead compartments are fully packed, passengers’ handbags would be left at the boarding point and stored in the cargo hold. If these bags contain power banks, a fire would be impossible to detect and extinguish. This could lead to dangerous consequences. Experts say airlines should strictly enforce the one-passenger-one-handbag rule. This will ensure safety is not compromised.

According to the DGCA, the use of lithium batteries in portable electronic devices (PEDs) has increased significantly. Lithium batteries can catch fire or explode when heated. Furthermore, batteries stored in overhead bins or check-in bags are often unnoticeable to crew members, leading to delays in detecting smoke or odors. Major global airlines such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines have already implemented such restrictions.