DGCA Prohibits MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 Powerbank After In-Flight Fire Incident

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced a ban on the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 powerbank across all passenger and cargo flights operating to, from, and within India. This decision comes after a fire incident involving this particular powerbank model onboard an IndiGo flight traveling from Delhi to Chennai.

According to reports, the aircraft had to make an unscheduled stop in Hyderabad on Sunday due to the fire caused by the powerbank. Following this event, the DGCA, led by chief Vir Vikram Yadav, issued an official directive prohibiting passengers and airlines from carrying or transporting the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 powerbank on any flight.

Airlines have been tasked with identifying this device and preventing it from being brought onboard. They are also responsible for communicating the safety advisory to passengers through appropriate channels, ensuring travelers are aware of the new restrictions.

This ban specifically targets the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model and does not extend to all powerbanks. Passengers are advised to verify the model number of their portable battery devices before traveling and to comply fully with airline instructions regarding the transport of such devices. Those who own the banned powerbank should refrain from carrying it on flights within Indian airspace or involving Indian airports.

Safety regulations concerning powerbanks have been tightened previously. In 2023, the DGCA released a Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular that outlined strict guidelines for carrying powerbanks and spare lithium batteries on flights. Under these rules, powerbanks must be kept in carry-on baggage and are not permitted in checked luggage or overhead compartments.

Moreover, the DGCA prohibits the use of powerbanks to charge electronic devices during flights, including through seat power outlets. Airlines are required to inform passengers of these rules, train cabin crew to recognize and respond to battery fires, and report any lithium battery incidents promptly to the regulatory body.

Passengers are instructed to notify cabin staff immediately if any device exhibits signs of overheating, emits smoke, or produces an unusual smell, so that appropriate safety measures can be taken.

The concern over powerbanks stems from the lithium-ion batteries they contain. These batteries can become hazardous if damaged, overcharged, or improperly handled, as they have the potential to overheat and ignite. Fires involving lithium batteries pose significant dangers on aircraft, where smoke can spread rapidly and access to the source may be limited, complicating containment efforts.

Incidents involving powerbank fires on flights have occurred previously in India. For example, in May, more than 200 passengers were evacuated from an IndiGo flight at Chandigarh airport after a powerbank caught fire during taxiing. This emergency evacuation resulted in injuries, including a passenger who sustained a leg fracture.

Another incident took place in October of the previous year when a powerbank ignited aboard an IndiGo flight preparing to depart from Delhi airport en route to Dimapur. The cabin crew successfully extinguished the fire without injuries.

These episodes highlight the risks associated with lithium battery-powered devices on aircraft and underline the importance of the DGCA’s proactive measures to enhance passenger safety. The aviation sector continues to monitor such risks closely, balancing convenience with the imperative to prevent onboard hazards.

As electronic devices remain an integral part of modern travel, regulatory bodies like the DGCA maintain vigilance by updating rules and educating passengers and airlines. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about the rules regarding portable batteries and to cooperate fully with airline staff to ensure safe journeys for everyone onboard.