An IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on October 11 after a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire inside an overhead baggage compartment, raising fresh concerns about portable charger safety on aircraft.
IndiGo flight 6E 6115 was travelling from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Chennai International Airport when the incident occurred. According to flight-tracking website FlightRadar24, the aircraft departed Delhi at around 1:30 p.m. and was scheduled to arrive in Chennai at 4 p.m.
Sources said approximately 180 passengers and seven crew members were on board. The aircraft was diverted to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad following the reported fire.
Power banks contain lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and catch fire if damaged, defective or improperly handled. Such incidents can pose a serious safety risk inside an aircraft cabin, where smoke and fire require an immediate response.
Passengers should familiarise themselves with airline and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) requirements before travelling with portable chargers.
As a general aviation safety practice, power banks should be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked-in luggage, allowing the crew to respond more quickly if a battery overheats. Passengers should also avoid carrying damaged or swollen power banks and should protect them from short circuits.
Capacity restrictions may apply depending on the battery’s watt-hour rating and the airline’s rules. Travellers should check the latest DGCA guidance and their airline’s conditions before departure, particularly when carrying high-capacity portable chargers.
The incident highlights the importance of following battery-safety instructions while flying. Passengers should never ignore signs of overheating, smoke or unusual odours and must alert cabin crew immediately if a power bank appears unsafe.
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