Air passengers travelling to, from or within India must check their power banks carefully after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) banned the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model from aircraft.
The decision follows a fire involving a power bank aboard an IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai.
The restriction applies to domestic and international flights connected to India. It covers passenger baggage, including cabin and checked-in luggage, as well as cargo carried on aircraft.
The aviation regulator has also directed airlines to identify the specified model and prevent it from being transported by air. Passengers should check the model number printed on their device before packing it for their next journey.
DGCA Bans MOBIKINS Power Bank After Flight Fire
The DGCA’s decision follows safety concerns involving the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank.
The regulator’s advisory specifically names this model, meaning the restriction does not automatically extend to every power bank available in the market.
The incident that brought renewed attention to the issue occurred on October 11, 2026, when an IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad after a power bank caught fire inside the aircraft.
The device was reportedly kept in the overhead luggage compartment.
Following the incident, the aircraft landed safely in Hyderabad, and passengers were subsequently arranged alternative transport to Chennai after the aircraft underwent checks.
Reports said there were 191 people on board and no injuries were reported.
The diversion highlighted the potential consequences of a battery fire inside an aircraft, where smoke and flames can create serious safety challenges.
The regulator’s advisory requires airlines to take appropriate steps to identify the specified power bank and communicate the restriction to passengers through suitable channels.
Which Power Bank Model Is Prohibited?
The model specifically named in the restriction is MOBIKINS MK-PB-04. Travellers should check the model number on the device or its packaging rather than relying only on the brand name.
The restriction applies to flights operating within India and flights travelling to or from the country. It also covers the transportation of the specified model as cargo, in addition to passenger baggage.
Passengers who own this particular power bank should not pack it in either their cabin bag or checked-in luggage for an affected flight.
They should contact their airline for guidance if they are unsure how to handle the device before travelling.
Importantly, the DGCA’s action is model-specific. It should not be interpreted as a blanket prohibition on all power banks, although other restrictions on carrying and using battery-powered devices during air travel may apply.
Why Can Power Banks Catch Fire on Flights?
Most conventional power banks use lithium-ion or lithium-based rechargeable batteries.
Although these batteries are widely used in portable electronics, damage, internal short circuits, manufacturing defects or excessive heat can cause them to overheat.
In severe cases, a battery can enter a process known as thermal runaway, in which rising temperatures trigger further heat generation. This can lead to smoke, fire and, in some circumstances, an explosion.
Such incidents can be particularly difficult to manage inside an aircraft because smoke may spread through the cabin and emergency response options are limited compared with those available on the ground.
A power bank that appears swollen, damaged or unusually hot should not be used. Travellers should also avoid carrying devices with visible battery damage and should follow the applicable airline safety instructions.
What Should Air Travellers Check Before Departure?
Before leaving for the airport, passengers should inspect the model number of their power bank and confirm that it is not the prohibited MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model.
They should also review their airline’s current rules regarding battery capacity, baggage placement and the use of portable chargers during a flight.
Buying a power bank from a reliable seller and checking for applicable safety certification can help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions.
In India, buyers can look for the relevant Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration details where certification is required.
Passengers should not assume that a device is permitted simply because it is sold online or has been used on previous flights. Airline rules and aviation safety advisories can change in response to specific risks.
The key point is that the current restriction identifies one particular model, not every power bank.
Checking the device before packing it can help travellers avoid problems at the airport and follow aviation safety requirements.
