New Delhi:The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Sunday clarified that passengers are prohibited from using power banks to charge mobile phones or any other electronic devices during flights, citing serious safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.

In an official statement, the aviation regulator said that power banks cannot be used for charging purposes at any stage of a flight, including through aircraft seat power outlets. The decision follows multiple incidents globally where lithium batteries have overheated or caught fire onboard aircraft.

The DGCA recalled that in November it had issued a Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular permitting passengers to carry power banks and spare lithium batteries only in hand baggage. These items are strictly barred from being stored in overhead compartments, as fires in such areas are difficult to detect and control.

According to the regulator, the rapid increase in the use of lithium-powered rechargeable devices has led to a surge in passengers carrying power banks and spare batteries while flying. The DGCA warned that these batteries can act as potential ignition sources, significantly increasing the risk of onboard fires.

The advisory further explained that lithium batteries placed in overhead bins or packed inside carry-on luggage may remain out of sight, making it harder for passengers and crew to detect early signs of smoke or fire. Such delays in response could escalate safety risks during a flight.

To address these concerns, the DGCA has directed all airlines to review their existing safety risk assessments related to lithium batteries carried by passengers. Airlines have also been instructed to strictly implement enhanced safety measures to prevent battery-related fire incidents onboard.