A passenger’s power bank caught fire aboard an IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai on Sunday (Oct 11), forcing the pilots to divert the aircraft to Hyderabad as a safety precaution.
IndiGo Flight 6E6115, an Airbus A321neo, landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at around 3.15pm local time. The flight had been cruising at approximately 35,000 feet when the incident occurred.
According to reports, smoke was detected coming from a passenger’s personal electronic device in an overhead luggage compartment. Videos shared on social media showed an orange glow inside the compartment as passengers and cabin crew moved to contain the situation.
The cabin crew responded promptly and brought the incident under control before the aircraft diverted to Hyderabad.
In a statement, IndiGo said the pilots followed established safety procedures and landed the aircraft safely. The airline apologised for the disruption and arranged an alternative aircraft to take passengers to Chennai, while providing refreshments and updates.
Why can a power bank catch fire on a plane?
Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and enter a process known as thermal runaway. This occurs when a battery experiences an uncontrolled rise in temperature, potentially leading to smoke, fire or even an explosion.
Battery damage, internal short circuits, manufacturing defects and overheating can trigger the process. Fires involving lithium batteries can also be difficult to extinguish and may reignite if the battery remains unstable.
The incident highlights the risks associated with carrying portable batteries on aircraft, particularly when devices are stored in places where smoke or overheating may not be immediately visible.
What are the rules for carrying power banks?
Aviation authorities have tightened safety guidance around portable batteries. Passengers should check their airline’s requirements before flying, as restrictions may vary by airline and jurisdiction.
Key precautions include:
- Keep power banks in cabin baggage: They should not be packed in checked luggage.
- Keep them within reach: Follow airline instructions on where portable batteries must be stored, rather than placing them in overhead compartments.
- Do not charge or use them during the flight if prohibited: Follow the airline’s current rules on power-bank use.
- Report warning signs immediately: Tell cabin crew if a device becomes unusually hot, swells, smells unusual or begins emitting smoke.
The incident comes amid renewed concerns over lithium-battery fires on commercial flights. In May 2026, another IndiGo flight experienced a power-bank fire after landing at Chandigarh, prompting an evacuation and leaving several passengers injured.
Although the Delhi–Chennai flight landed safely in Hyderabad, the episode serves as a reminder that a small portable device can become a serious aviation safety hazard when its battery fails.
