The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank on flights operating to, from, and within India because of safety concerns. The restriction covers passenger baggage, including cabin and checked baggage, as well as cargo transportation. Airlines must ensure that this specific model is not carried on aircraft.

The restriction received attention following an October 11, 2026, incident in which a power bank caught fire aboard an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai. The aircraft was diverted to Hyderabad, where it landed safely. The cabin crew brought the situation under control, and no injuries were reported. However, the DGCA’s directive was dated September 29, 2026, so the October incident did not precede the original directive. 

The ban does not mean passengers can no longer carry power banks when flying. Other permitted models may still be carried, provided they comply with the applicable aviation safety requirements and airline policies.

Which Power Bank Has DGCA Banned in India?

The DGCA has banned the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank over safety concerns associated with a reported fire incident involving the device. In its September 29, 2026, communication, the aviation regulator instructed airlines and passengers to ensure that this particular model was not carried or transported on aircraft.

The restriction applies to:

• Domestic flights within India
• International flights to and from India
• Cabin baggage and checked baggage
• Cargo transportation

Airlines must identify the specified model, prevent its carriage, and inform passengers about the restriction.

The important point is that the ban does not cover every power bank. Passengers with other models may still carry them if they comply with the relevant battery safety rules and their airline’s baggage policies.

Why Did DGCA Ban the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 Power Bank?

Power banks are useful during travel because they allow passengers to charge mobile phones and other electronic devices. However, they contain batteries that can pose a fire risk if they become damaged, defective, or overheated.

Most power banks use lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery cells. Under certain conditions, these batteries can overheat, short-circuit, produce smoke, or catch fire.

A serious battery failure can trigger a process known as thermal runaway. During this process, a battery generates excessive heat, which can cause further internal reactions and increase the risk of fire. Such incidents are particularly dangerous aboard aircraft because smoke can spread through the cabin and crew members must respond quickly.

The DGCA’s restriction on the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 reflects the safety risks associated with the reported incident involving that model. However, the specific technical cause of the incident should not be assumed unless it is confirmed by an official investigation.

DGCA Power Bank Rules for Flights in India in 2026

If you are planning to travel, you may be wondering, “Can I carry a power bank on a flight in India?”

Yes, you can generally carry a permitted power bank, subject to applicable aviation safety requirements and airline policies. However, there are important restrictions on baggage placement, battery capacity, and in-flight use.

Carry Power Banks in Hand Baggage Only

Passengers must carry permitted power banks in their cabin baggage. They must not pack them in checked luggage.

This restriction allows the cabin crew to respond more quickly if a battery overheats or begins producing smoke. A battery incident in the aircraft’s cargo hold may be more difficult to detect and address promptly.

Before travelling, check your airline’s latest baggage guidelines to confirm the applicable battery capacity limits and other restrictions.

Do Not Store Power Banks in Overhead Compartments

Passengers should not place power banks in overhead luggage compartments under the applicable DGCA safety guidance.

Keep your power bank within easy reach and follow the cabin crew’s instructions. This makes it easier to identify signs of overheating, smoke, or other battery problems and report them promptly.

Do Not Use Power Banks During Flights

Passengers may carry permitted power banks, but they must not use them to charge mobile phones, tablets, or other electronic devices during flights under the DGCA’s safety guidance.

Charge your devices before boarding so that you do not need to rely on a power bank while flying. If a device shows signs of overheating or damage, alert the cabin crew immediately.

Do Not Recharge Power Banks on Aircraft

Passengers should not recharge their power banks using USB ports or power outlets provided on aircraft.

Charging a power bank during a flight can introduce additional battery-related risks. Follow the operating airline’s instructions and charge your power bank before travelling.

Is a 20,000mAh Power Bank Allowed on Flights in India?

A 20,000mAh power bank is generally permitted on flights if it meets the operating airline’s battery capacity requirements and other safety rules. However, the model-specific DGCA ban still applies regardless of battery capacity.

Power bank capacity is commonly expressed in milliampere-hours (mAh), but airlines often specify limits in watt-hours (Wh). The watt-hour rating depends on both the battery capacity and its voltage.

For example, a 20,000mAh power bank rated at 3.7V has a nominal energy capacity of approximately 74Wh.

Calculation:

20,000mAh ÷ 1,000 × 3.7V = 74Wh

This is below the 100Wh threshold used in Air India’s published battery guidance. However, passengers should verify the rating printed on their device and check the current rules of their operating airline before travelling. A 20,000mAh rating alone does not guarantee that a particular power bank is permitted.

How to Check Whether Your Power Bank Is Banned

Before packing your bags, take a moment to check the power bank you plan to carry.

1. Check the model number: Look for the model number printed on the device. If it says MOBIKINS MK-PB-04, do not carry it on your flight.
2. Check the battery capacity: Look for the watt-hour (Wh) rating on the device. If only the mAh rating is available, check the voltage to calculate its nominal energy capacity.
3. Check the product’s safety credentials: Verify any applicable BIS registration or certification details through official sources. Do not assume that a product is certified without checking.
4. Review your airline’s baggage rules: Confirm the permitted battery capacity, the number of power banks allowed, and any additional restrictions.
5. Follow in-flight safety instructions: Keep your power bank within reach, do not place it in an overhead compartment, and do not use or recharge it during the flight.

These checks can help you avoid carrying a prohibited device and reduce the risk of travel disruptions.

The DGCA’s restriction on the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank highlights the importance of battery safety during air travel. However, the restriction does not mean that all power banks are banned on flights operating to, from, and within India.

Passengers can generally carry other permitted power banks by following the relevant baggage, capacity, and in-flight safety rules. Before your next trip to India from USA, check your power bank’s model number, battery rating, and airline requirements.

A quick check before leaving home can help you avoid last-minute problems at the airport and make your journey safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Has India banned all power banks on flights?

No. The DGCA restriction specifically names the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank. Other permitted power banks may still be carried if they meet the applicable aviation safety requirements and airline policies.

2. Which power bank is banned by the DGCA in 2026?

The banned model is the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04. The restriction applies to passenger baggage, including cabin and checked baggage, and cargo on flights to, from, and within India.

3. Can I carry a 20,000mAh power bank on an Indian flight?

Generally, yes, if the device complies with the operating airline’s capacity limits and safety rules. A 20,000mAh power bank rated at 3.7V has a nominal capacity of approximately 74Wh. Check the actual rating and your airline’s current policy before travelling.

4. Can I put a power bank in checked baggage?

No. Permitted power banks must be carried in cabin baggage, not checked baggage.

5. Can I use my power bank to charge my phone during a flight?

No. DGCA safety guidance prohibits using power banks to charge electronic devices during flights. Passengers should also avoid recharging power banks using aircraft USB ports or power outlets.

6. Can I keep my power bank in an overhead compartment?

No. Passengers should keep power banks within easy reach rather than storing them in overhead compartments, in accordance with the applicable aviation safety guidance.

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