The DGCA 11-November-2025 advisory — what changed
On 11 November 2025, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a safety advisory (implemented by all Indian scheduled carriers) after the IndiGo 6E 2107 Delhi–Dimapur incident on 19 October 2025, where a passenger's device caught fire in a seat-back pocket while the A320neo taxied at Delhi. 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 power banks per passenger — an absolute cap. (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 | Airline approval required — and increasingly refused (Air India allows only ≤100 Wh; IATA drops this approval band from the 2027 DGR) |
| 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 — refused by Air India; avoid
- 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 Power Bank Boost Pro 30000mAh | 30,000 mAh | 111 Wh | ⚠️ Approval — Air India refuses |
| 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 and may file a report; persistent non-compliance with crew instructions can be treated as unruly behaviour.
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 airline approval — increasingly refused (Air India allows only ≤100 Wh). 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 power banks per passenger on Indian carriers — an absolute cap. 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, and increasingly refused (Air India allows only ≤100 Wh). Above 160 Wh banned. Most consumer power banks (10,000-27,000 mAh) are 37-100 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. For hassle-free carriage stick to ≤100 Wh (about 27,000 mAh at 3.7V): the 100-160 Wh approval band is increasingly refused (Air India caps at 100 Wh) and is being phased out globally from 2027.
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
- Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2003 + DGCA CAR Section 3 Series L (dangerous goods)
- DGCA Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular 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