DGCA prohibits MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 powerbank on Indian flights after onboard fire
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New Delhi: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has barred passengers and airlines from carrying the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 powerbank on flights operating within India, as well as on flights arriving in or departing from the country, following a fire incident involving the device on board an IndiGo aircraft.
The directive was issued after an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday following a fire linked to the powerbank.
DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav has directed airlines to identify the specific model, prevent it from being carried on board and inform passengers about the restriction through appropriate channels.
The ban applies only to the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model and is not a blanket prohibition on all powerbanks. Passengers have been advised to check the model number of their portable batteries before travelling and follow airline guidelines. Those who own the affected device have been asked not to carry it on flights to, from or within India.
The action comes amid tighter safety rules for lithium-ion batteries and powerbanks. Under the DGCA’s existing dangerous goods guidelines, powerbanks and spare batteries are allowed only in hand baggage and cannot be kept in overhead compartments.
Passengers are also prohibited from using powerbanks to charge mobile phones or other electronic devices during a flight, including through aircraft seat power outlets.
Airlines have been asked to create awareness among passengers about the rules, train cabin crew to handle battery-related emergencies and report any lithium battery fire or malfunction to the regulator.
Passengers have been advised to inform cabin crew immediately if an electronic device overheats, emits smoke or gives off an unusual smell during a flight.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in portable electronic devices, can pose a fire risk if they are damaged, defective, overcharged or handled improperly. Such incidents are considered especially dangerous on aircraft, where smoke can spread quickly and access to the device may be restricted.
(Inputs from IANS)