Regulators banned one power bank model after an IndiGo cabin fire

What's going on here?

India’s aviation regulator tightened rules on portable lithium batteries after a fire on board an IndiGo flight. In a communication dated 29 September 2026, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation barred passengers from carrying or using the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank on flights operating to, from, or within India. Reporting ties the order to a recent cabin incident involving that specific model. On 16 October 2026, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma posted on X asking why airlines and regulators allow power banks in cabins while requiring phones in airplane mode. He called for wider restrictions on flights serving India. The DGCA action stops short of a blanket ban on all power banks.

What does this mean?

Lithium cells in carry-on bags remain a known ignition risk if damaged or poorly manufactured. Regulators usually blacklist particular models after fault investigations rather than outlawing every battery pack, because passengers rely on them for phones and laptops on long sectors. A targeted ban forces airlines to update safety briefings and security screeners to watch for one SKU, while leaving other brands legal if they meet watt-hour limits. Sharma’s proposal would push India toward stricter cabin rules seen in some cargo-only lithium policies, which would affect frequent flyers and gadget-heavy travellers.

Why should I care?

Check your power bank model against the DGCA notice before flying; discard or leave banned units at home. Prefer name-brand packs within airline watt-hour caps and keep them in cabin baggage, not checked luggage. Business travellers should brief staff who fly weekly. Watch whether DGCA expands the prohibited list, how IndiGo documents the incident, and if other carriers lobby for wider limits during the winter travel peak.