A power bank fire forced an IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai to make an emergency landing in Hyderabad on Sunday, October 11, after smoke was detected from a passenger’s electronic device inside the aircraft. The incident triggered an onboard safety response and prompted the pilots to divert the plane to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

IndiGo flight 6E 6115 landed safely in Hyderabad, with all passengers and crew members reported safe. The airline said the diversion was carried out in accordance with established safety protocols after smoke was detected from the device. An alternative aircraft was arranged to take passengers onward to Chennai.

Power Bank Fire Triggers Mid-Air Safety Response

The incident highlights the risks posed by lithium-battery-powered devices when they overheat or catch fire inside an aircraft cabin. Reports said the power bank caught fire in the overhead luggage compartment, prompting a response from the cabin crew. Videos circulating online appeared to show passengers reacting as efforts were made to contain the fire.

The precise cause of the fire and the power bank’s specifications had not been established in the initial reports. Authorities are expected to examine the incident as part of the investigation.

IndiGo Rules Require Power Banks to Stay Within Reach

IndiGo’s published baggage guidance says power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in hand baggage, kept within the passenger’s reach and not placed in overhead compartments or checked-in baggage. The airline also states that power banks must not be used to charge devices or recharged during a flight.

The distinction matters because carrying a power bank in cabin baggage does not mean it can be stored anywhere in the cabin. IndiGo’s instructions specifically require passengers to keep the device accessible rather than stowing it in an overhead bin.

The Hyderabad diversion ended without reported injuries, but the incident puts the spotlight on compliance with airline battery-safety rules and the handling of portable electronic devices during flights. Further details about the cause of the fire were awaited.