Taking a power bank on your next IndiGo flight? Seven packing and charging checks after the Delhi–Chennai incident

IndiGo’s Delhi–Chennai flight 6E 6115 diverted to Hyderabad on October 11 after smoke came from a passenger’s electronic device. Reporting identified a power bank; the airline’s statement described a personal electronic device. Everyone was reported safe, and the incident was under investigation.

Power banks belong in hand baggage. If your cabin bag is taken at the gate to travel in the hold, remove the power bank first. IATA also advises protective packaging and covering exposed terminals to prevent short circuits; keep it separate from loose metal objects.

IndiGo’s policy says power banks must remain within your personal reach and must not be stored in overhead compartments. Plan where yours will go before boarding, using a location permitted by the crew, so you can notice a problem and alert them promptly.

IATA’s March 2026 guidance limits personal-use power banks to two per person, each no more than 100Wh. Its table marks power banks above 100Wh and up to 160Wh as forbidden. Broader allowances for some other lithium batteries should not be applied automatically to power banks.

The calculation is Wh = mAh × battery voltage ÷ 1,000. For illustration, 20,000mAh at 3.7V equals 74Wh; 30,000mAh at 3.7V equals 111Wh. Use the actual battery label and manufacturer’s specification, not an assumed voltage or the charger’s output rating.

IndiGo’s cabin-baggage page says power banks must not be used, charged or recharged during the flight. Charge your devices before boarding and check the policy of each airline on a connecting journey. Permission to carry the battery is separate from permission to operate it.

IATA advises against travelling with swollen, punctured or damaged batteries. If a device becomes hot or starts smoking during the journey, notify the cabin crew immediately and follow their instructions. Do not try to cool or move an overheating device yourself.