The aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has banned the use of power banks to charge phones or other devices during flights, including via in-seat power outlets, following a series of global incidents where lithium batteries overheated or caught fire.
While citing “safety concerns”, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told NDTV that once a rule or regulation is decided, it is important to follow it in order to ensure safety, and that is why they are implementing it.
“Whenever the DGCA issues guidelines or rules, it keeps the safety of the people and the aircraft in mind. Whatever it does, it does thorough research and thorough consultation, and most of it comes from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which is consulting with stakeholders across the world,” Naidu said.
The guidelines issued in November last year stated that airlines should broadcast cabin announcements instructing passengers to:
Carry power banks and spare batteries only in hand luggage.
Refrain from using or charging power banks during the flight.
Immediately notify cabin crew if any device becomes hot, emits smoke, or produces an unusual smell.
Ensure power banks and spare batteries are not placed in overhead bins, and follow short-circuit prevention measures such as storing lithium batteries in plastic bags, taping or covering terminals, or using protective cases.
Promptly report any safety issues or incidents involving lithium batteries to the DGCA
(This is a developing story. More to come)
