Power Bank Fire Incident on IndiGo Flight ..?
The fire broke out in a personal electronic device located in the back pocket of a passenger seat.
The cabin crew acted promptly, following standard operating procedures, and extinguished the fire within minutes.
No injuries were reported from the incident.
DGCA’s Response and Review
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive review of how power banks and lithium battery-powered devices are managed onboard flights.
The review focuses on both passenger handling and airline protocols concerning such devices.
This incident has raised serious safety concerns regarding the use of power banks on airplanes.
Possible Regulatory Actions by DGCA
Following the review, DGCA is considering implementing stricter regulations on power banks in air travel across India.
Potential actions under consideration include:
Banning power banks from flights altogether.
Imposing limits on power bank capacity to reduce fire risks.
Introducing strict handling guidelines for passengers and airlines.
If risk mitigation is deemed inadequate, a national ban on power banks during air travel may be enforced.
Coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA)
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has been informed about the incident.
DGCA and MoCA are collaborating to formulate new security policies aimed at enhancing the safety of air travelers in India.
IndiGo airlines Official Statement
IndiGo confirmed the incident, stating the fire occurred shortly after taxiing.
The airline emphadata-sized the crew’s quick and effective response.
The fire was controlled within minutes, and passenger safety was maintained.