DGCA Bans MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 Power Bank on Flights to, From and Within India

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited the carriage of the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank on flights to, from and within India after a fire incident involving the device.

The restriction follows an incident on an IndiGo flight travelling from Chandigarh to Chennai, where a power bank exploded inside the overhead bin on October 11.

The incident forced the aircraft to divert to Hyderabad, where an emergency evacuation was carried out.

Ban covers passenger baggage and cargo

In an airworthiness information circular dated September 29, 2026, the aviation regulator directed airlines and passengers to ensure that the specified power bank is not carried on board aircraft.

The prohibition applies whether the device is carried as passenger baggage or transported as cargo.

It covers both checked-in baggage and cabin baggage, making the directive applicable to the two main forms of passenger luggage.

The circular was issued for information, guidance and compliance, and cited potential safety risks associated with the power bank after the fire incident.

The DGCA said the restriction applies to all flights operating to, from or within India.

Airlines asked to identify the device

The regulator has advised airlines to take appropriate measures to identify and prevent the carriage of the specified power bank.

Airlines have also been asked to communicate the safety advisory to passengers through suitable channels.

The directive is limited to the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 model and does not announce a blanket ban on all power banks.

The advisory was signed by Director General of Civil Aviation Vir Vikram Yadav.

Critics question limited scope

Critics questioned the rationale for singling out one relatively obscure brand of power bank.

They argued that the order’s limited scope undermined its utility and also questioned how its implementation would be ensured.

The directive therefore places the immediate compliance responsibility on airlines and passengers in relation to the specified model, while leaving the broader category of power banks outside the scope of this order.

Source: The Hindu