India's aviation watchdog, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has implemented a total ban on the Mobikins MK-PB-04 power bank. Citing a recent fire incident, the regulator prohibited the device from being carried in cabin baggage, checked luggage, or as cargo on all flights operating to, from, or within India. This mandate reflects growing regulatory anxiety over lithium-ion battery safety in pressurized aircraft cabins.
Regulatory Crackdown on Battery Safety
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a directive on September 29 prohibiting the carriage of the Mobikins MK-PB-04 power bank on all commercial aircraft. This absolute ban extends to all forms of transport, including cabin baggage, checked-in luggage, and air cargo. The order applies to every flight entering, departing, or operating within Indian airspace.
Escalating Inflight Risks
Safety concerns surrounding portable power sources have intensified following multiple reports of thermal runaway events in flight. Authorities moved to restrict this specific model after a fire incident confirmed the device posed an unacceptable risk to aircraft safety. While the DGCA release did not disclose the specific incident details, the urgency of the communication signals a non-negotiable stance on fire prevention measures.
Impact on Air Travel
This development follows a recent emergency involving an IndiGo flight to Chennai, where a passenger's power bank ignited in the overhead bin. That aircraft was forced to make an emergency diversion to Hyderabad to ensure passenger safety. Regulators are now under pressure to strictly enforce baggage screenings to prevent high-risk consumer electronics from compromising structural integrity during flight. Passengers are advised to verify the model numbers of their portable chargers before travel to ensure compliance with the new safety mandate.