The DGCA 11-November-2025 advisory — what changed
On 11 November 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a binding safety advisory after the IndiGo 6E 2107 Mumbai-Istanbul incident on 19 October 2025, where a passenger's power bank caught fire in the cabin. The advisory applies to every scheduled Indian carrier (IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Star Air, Alliance Air) plus all foreign carriers to/from India.
Three rules apply nationwide: (1) Cabin only — never checked-in. (2) Max 2 spare power banks per passenger plus one in a device. (3) No in-flight use — no charging from power bank, no charging the power bank from aircraft USB.
The 100 Wh / 160 Wh thresholds
| Watt-hour (Wh) | mAh equivalent (3.7V) | Carriage rule |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Up to 27,027 mAh | Unrestricted — bring it, declare at security if asked |
| 100-160 Wh | 27,027 - 43,243 mAh | Written airline approval required |
| Above 160 Wh | Above 43,243 mAh | BANNED |
How to convert mAh to Wh
Formula: Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000. Most consumer power banks are 3.7V lithium-ion:
- 10,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 37 Wh ✓ Unrestricted
- 20,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 74 Wh ✓ Unrestricted
- 27,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 99.9 Wh ✓ Just under the cap
- 30,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 111 Wh ⚠️ Approval needed
- 50,000 mAh × 3.7V ÷ 1000 = 185 Wh ✗ BANNED
Common brands — quick check
| Brand & model | Capacity | Wh | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anker PowerCore 10000 | 10,000 mAh | 37 Wh | ✓ Cabin OK |
| Mi / boAt 20,000 mAh | 20,000 mAh | 74 Wh | ✓ Cabin OK |
| Anker PowerCore 26800 | 26,800 mAh | 99 Wh | ✓ Just under |
| Mi 30000mAh Hyper Sonic | 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | ⚠️ Approval |
| 50,000+ mAh | 50,000+ mAh | 185+ Wh | ✗ BANNED |
How to pack correctly
- Cabin only. Handbag, laptop sleeve, or under-seat. Never checked-in.
- Protect terminals. Original retail packaging or tape exposed terminals.
- Spec label visible. Worn-off labels can lead to refusal.
- Not in overhead bin. Must stay accessible — seat pocket or under-seat.
- Don't use during flight. Both directions of charging banned.
Violation scenarios
- In checked bag: Bag offloaded; you're paged at gate. Remove and carry cabin, or surrender. Possible flight delay.
- More than 2 power banks: Choose 2 to keep, surrender rest.
- 50,000+ mAh: Confiscated at security. "Airline approved" stickers from sellers don't override the 160 Wh ceiling.
- Use during flight: Crew stops you, may file report; repeat = potential no-fly list.
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry a power bank in flight in India?
Yes — only in cabin baggage (never checked-in). Per DGCA's 11-November-2025 advisory, power banks ≤100 Wh are permitted without airline approval. 100-160 Wh requires written airline approval. Above 160 Wh is banned. You can carry up to 2 power banks per passenger.
How many power banks can I carry in a flight?
Maximum 2 spare power banks per passenger on Indian carriers. Both must be in your cabin baggage only — never in checked-in baggage. They must be in original retail packaging or with terminals taped to prevent short-circuiting.
Is a 20000 mAh power bank allowed in flight in India?
Yes. A 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V nominal voltage = 74 Wh, which is well under the 100 Wh threshold. It is allowed in cabin baggage without approval. Convert mAh to Wh: (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000.
Can I use a power bank during flight in India?
No. Per the DGCA 11-Nov-2025 advisory triggered by the IndiGo 6E 2107 incident, in-flight use of power banks is banned across Indian carriers. You cannot charge devices from a power bank or charge the power bank from aircraft USB ports.
What is the watt-hour Wh limit for power banks on Indian flights?
100 Wh unrestricted in cabin. 100-160 Wh airline approval required. Above 160 Wh banned. Most consumer power banks (10,000-30,000 mAh) are 37-111 Wh.
Are 50000 mAh power banks allowed on flights in India?
A 50,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V = 185 Wh, which exceeds the 160 Wh ceiling — so it is BANNED on Indian flights. Limit to 43,000 mAh or less at 3.7V (= 159 Wh) for safe carriage.
Can I pack a power bank in checked-in baggage?
No. Lithium-ion power banks must NEVER be in checked-in baggage on any Indian or international flight. This is a DGCA, IATA, and FAA rule. Cabin-only is mandatory.
What happens if airport security finds a power bank in checked baggage?
Security will offload your bag, ask you to remove the power bank, and either let you carry it as cabin baggage if you have time, or confiscate it. Possible flight delay for offloading.
Sources
- DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 8 Series M Part I
- DGCA Advisory dated 11 November 2025
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Section 2.3.5.9
Related: Items not allowed in cabin · Liquid 100 ml rule · IndiGo baggage policy