New Aviation Safety Rules: Power Banks Can No Longer Be Used on Flights
DGCA New Rules: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has clarified that charging mobile phones or any other gadgets using power banks is now prohibited during flights. This rule also applies to charging devices using the seat power outlets on the aircraft.
The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has taken this decision in light of incidents of lithium batteries overheating and catching fire in various parts of the world. Lithium batteries, which are used in power banks and portable chargers, can be a major cause of fires.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already clarified in its Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular issued in November that power banks and spare batteries can only be carried in hand baggage. They are not permitted in the overhead compartments.
The reason for this is that if a fire breaks out in the overhead compartment, it is difficult to detect it immediately.
Why is there a greater risk in overhead compartments? According to the DGCA, if lithium batteries are placed in the overhead storage bins or inside carry-on baggage, they are out of sight of passengers and crew. In such cases, smoke or fire may go unnoticed for a longer period, making timely intervention difficult. This can pose a serious threat to flight safety.
The aviation regulator has asked airlines to reassess the safety risks associated with passengers carrying lithium batteries and to implement stricter rules to prevent battery-related fire incidents.
