A portable charger caught fire aboard an IndiGo flight, prompting an emergency landing in Hyderabad. Here’s what travelers should know.
A power bank reportedly started a fire on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai, forcing an emergency landing in Hyderabad. No injuries were reported and the plane landed safely after cabin crew responded to the flames. Airlines restrict where power banks can be stored and whether they can be charged during flight.
What this means for you: pack lithium-ion batteries in carry-on luggage only, protect their terminals, and check your airline’s specific rules before you fly. If you see a battery overheating, tell a crew member right away.
The incident involves IndiGo Flight 6E 6115, which was traveling from Delhi to Chennai on Oct. 11. A fire broke out in an overhead luggage compartment, and passengers reported smoke and flames. The flight diverted and landed safely in Hyderabad, where cabin crew and passengers helped contain the fire until it could be extinguished. About 180 passengers and seven crew members were aboard, and no injuries were reported, according to local outlets and the airline’s statement.
IndiGo says smoke was detected from a passenger’s personal electronic device, identified by local reports as a power bank. The airline said its crew responded promptly and arranged another aircraft to continue the journey to Chennai. Investigations have been launched by authorities, as is typical after in-flight incidents involving batteries.
What happened next matters beyond this single flight. Power banks use lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and, in rare cases, enter a thermal runaway where temperatures rise quickly and flames or gases can be released. The incident adds to ongoing concerns about battery safety on planes and the rules airlines enforce about carrying and using these batteries in carry-on bags.
An IndiGo flight operating from Delhi to Chennai reportedly made an emergency landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad after a passenger's 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤 caught fire on board. The incident involved flight 6E6115, according to the sources.#IndiGo… pic.twitter.com/JgoFtMVa6u
— Sudhakar Udumula (@sudhakarudumula) October 11, 2026
Most travelers should know this: you’re allowed to carry power banks in carry-on luggage, but there are limits and safety rules. Airlines and aviation authorities often require that these batteries stay with you in the cabin and not be stored in overhead bins or checked baggage. You should also protect battery terminals to prevent short circuits and avoid charging devices during flight unless the airline says it’s okay. Different airlines can have stricter rules, so it’s best to check your carrier’s policy before you fly. In the U.S., the FAA and TSA typically require power banks to travel in carry-on baggage and to be kept in a way that prevents short circuits, with terminals protected.
Beyond the flight itself, this incident could influence how airports screen and enforce battery rules, especially for longer trips with multiple connections. Earlier recalls, like 1.16 million Anker PowerCore 10000 units recalled in the U.S. in 2025 due to overheating risks, underscore that battery safety is a real and ongoing concern for travelers and airlines alike.
A power bank is a portable battery used to recharge devices on the go. They work with lithium-ion cells, the same tech you find in most modern phones and laptops. When damaged, overheated, or misused, these batteries can heat up quickly. In the worst cases, that heat can cause a fire in a cabin, which is dangerous in a confined space with limited means to fight a fire promptly.
1) Check your airline’s rules before you pack power banks. 2) Carry any power banks in your carry-on and keep them on your person or secured under the seat, not in a overhead bin. 3) Protect exposed terminals to prevent short circuits. 4) If you see any overheating, stop using the device and notify crew immediately. 5) If you’re traveling internationally, review both your home country’s and destination country’s regulations about lithium batteries, since policies can vary.
Authorities will investigate the fire, the specific device involved, and how the power bank was stored and used in flight. The outcome may lead to updates in airline guidance or stricter enforcement on board. For now, travelers should stay aware of battery safety and follow crew directions if similar situations arise.
No injuries were reported; the plane landed safely and passengers continued their journey after another aircraft was arranged.
Power banks are allowed in carry-on baggage, but terminals must be protected and devices should not be charged during flight. Always check your airline’s policy.
You're reading the quick version.
A plain‑language guide to Apple’s HomeKit smart-home setup, its AI features, and what the latest rumors mean for your devices and budget.
Apple launches a Switch to Safari page and two YouTube videos to argue Safari offers better privacy, speed, and battery life than Chrome.
You can view and adjust the personal notes Amazon uses to tailor your shopping. Here’s how to see and edit them so they match your current preferences.
The Daily Brief
Every morning, the news that matters from AI, phones, apps and the people shaping tech. Explained in plain English. Free.
One email a day. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy
