Yes, you can carry a power bank on a flight in India, but only in your hand baggage. It must not go in checked baggage, and under a DGCA circular dated 11 November 2025 it should not be stored in the overhead bin. You also cannot use it to charge your phone or other gadgets during the flight, including through the seat power outlet.
Updated November 2026 · HappyFares
Power banks are now one of the most common things passengers ask about before flying. The rules have tightened in the past year, so here is what is actually in force and what is still under review.
Can I put a power bank in checked baggage?
No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries belong in hand baggage. The DGCA’s Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular dated 11 November 2025 states that they must only be carried in hand baggage. This matches the wider international position: IATA’s lithium battery guidance says spare batteries are not allowed in checked baggage.
The reason is simple. If a lithium battery overheats in the hold, nobody is there to notice and respond. In the cabin, crew and passengers can spot smoke early and act on it.
Can I keep my power bank in the overhead bin?
The DGCA advisory says no. Power banks and spare batteries should not be stored in overhead compartments, because a fire there is harder to detect and contain. A battery sitting in a closed bin or a bag you cannot see can delay detection and response.
In practice, keep the power bank in a seat pocket, in your personal item under the seat in front, or on your person, where you can see and reach it. Did you know that cabin crews are trained to treat a lithium battery fire very differently from an ordinary fire? That is one reason the regulator wants these devices within arm’s reach rather than tucked away.
Can I charge my phone from a power bank during the flight?
Not under the current advisory. The DGCA barred passengers from using power banks to charge phones or other gadgets during a flight. It also bars using a power bank with the aircraft’s in-seat power system, and airlines were told to block charging through seat outlets and to announce the restriction on board.
The circular is dated 11 November 2025, and the in-flight charging restriction was widely reported in early January 2026 as a DGCA clarification. Airlines must also report lithium battery incidents to the DGCA.
Two things are worth separating here:
- Carrying a power bank in hand baggage is still allowed.
- Using it to charge a device in flight is what the advisory restricts.
Charge your phone and the power bank itself before you reach the airport, and keep your phone’s battery healthy enough for the journey.
Is there a limit on power bank size or number?
Carriage of lithium batteries depends on the battery type and, for rechargeable batteries, its watt-hour (Wh) rating. Larger capacities face tighter conditions, and airlines can set their own limits. Check the Wh figure printed on your power bank. If only milliamp-hours (mAh) is printed, the airline or the manufacturer can help you convert it.
We could not confirm an official Indian rule on the number of power banks per passenger. As of May 2026, news reports said the DGCA was reviewing global practices on carrying power banks onboard, and that no decision had been taken on prohibiting passengers from carrying them. Treat any specific per-passenger count you see online as unverified until the DGCA or your airline confirms it.
What should I do before I fly?
- Put every power bank and spare battery in your cabin bag, never in checked baggage.
- Pack them where you can reach them, not in a bag that will go into the overhead bin.
- Look for the Wh rating on the label. If the label is unreadable or the device is damaged or swollen, leave it at home.
- Check your airline’s baggage page for any stricter rule. Airlines can be stricter than the regulator.
- Be ready to answer a crew announcement about switching a power bank off.
Common Questions
Is a power bank allowed in hand baggage on Indian flights?
Yes. Hand baggage is the only place the DGCA advisory allows power banks and spare lithium batteries to be carried, subject to any airline capacity limits.
Can I use a power bank on an IndiGo, Air India or Akasa flight?
The DGCA advisory is aimed at Indian airlines, so you should not use a power bank to charge devices in flight on any of them. Check each airline’s own page for any extra detail.
Can I charge the power bank itself from the seat socket?
The advisory restricts using power banks with the aircraft’s in-seat power system. Rather than test it, charge the power bank fully before you leave home.
Why can’t power banks go in the overhead bin?
The DGCA says a fire in overhead storage or an obscured carry-on bag is harder to detect and respond to. Keeping the device in view lets crew and passengers act faster.
Does airport security take power banks away?
Security staff screen them like other electronics. A damaged or unmarked device may be refused. Keep the label visible and the device in good condition.
Will the rules change again?
Possibly. News reports from May 2026 said the DGCA was reviewing global norms on carrying power banks. Check the latest notice before you travel.
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Rules and fees change. Verify current specifics with the airline, DGCA, or the airport before you travel.
