“The widespread usage of lithium batteries in various rechargeable devices has led to an increase in carriage of lithium batteries by air. Power banks, portable chargers, and similar devices containing lithium batteries can act as ignition sources and potentially initiate on-board fires,” the DGCA circular said. Unlike other fires, lithium battery fires may be self-sustaining and require special methods to handle,” the advisory noted. Singapore Airlines introduced a similar policy in April last year, forbidding any use or charging of power banks mid-flight. Other carriers, including Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways, have also restricted how and where passengers can store power banks.

Source: The Telegraph January 04, 2026 12:45 UTC