Why power banks pose a higher risk on flights
They are more susceptible to overheating and fire because many are made with low-quality battery cells, and must be kept within arm’s reach
Updated At : 06:33 AM Nov 02, 2025 IST
Market surveillance needs to be stepped up to eliminate the sale of substandard power banks. Istock
The passengers on Indigo flight 6E 2107 travelling from Delhi to Dimapur on October 19 were lucky! The power bank of a passenger which ignited just before take-off was fortunately in the backseat pocket. So, the fire was immediately noticed and quickly extinguished. In the case of an Air Busan flight on January 28, the power bank was inside the carry bag of a passenger and stowed in the overhead luggage compartment. So, by the time it was located at the tail end of the plane, it was too late. With the aircraft on fire, all the 176 on board had to be evacuated using inflatable slides. Fortunately for them, the plane was still being readied for take-off from the Gimhae International Airport in South Korea and was not airborne.
