What does the DGCA power bank ban change for flyers?

You can still carry power banks in cabin bags, but you cannot use them to charge devices in flight. Avoid placing them in overhead bins. Keep them with you or under the seat and follow crew announcements. Checked-in carriage remains off limits for power banks and loose lithium batteries.

Can I place a power bank in checked luggage or overhead bins?

No. Power banks must stay in cabin baggage, not in checked-in bags. The regulator also advises against placing them in overhead bins. Keep them accessible under the seat or in a personal item so crews can respond quickly if there is heat, smoke, or swelling during the flight.

How might the rule affect delays or ticket prices?

Airlines may spend a few extra minutes on pre-flight checks and announcements. This can reduce mid-air disruptions and diversions, which are more costly. Any cost impact should be modest and focused on training and equipment. Stable operations and fewer incidents can support on-time performance and service reliability.

What should investors track after the DGCA power bank ban?

Watch airline updates on training completion, safety equipment, incident rates, and on-time performance. Look for comments in quarterly calls or filings about lithium battery events and diversion trends. Improved consistency without higher disruption costs would signal the rule is working as intended for both safety and operations.

Global Market Insights

DGCA Bans Power Bank Charging on Flights: January 05 Airline Impact

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 5, 2026January 5, 2026

India’s DGCA power bank ban is now in effect, changing how passengers carry and use backup batteries on board. The regulator barred using power banks to charge devices in flight and warned against placing them in overhead bins. This DGCA power bank ban aims to cut lithium battery risk after overheating cases. We break down the policy, operational shifts for carriers, and what investors should track across Indian airlines as compliance and training ramp up.