NEW DELHI: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has barred a particular powerbank from being carried on aircraft in either passenger or cargo flights to, from and within India.The decision came in view of the “recent fire incident involving the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 powerbank, and considering the potential safety risks associated with it”, the regulatory body said.An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad Sunday after a passenger’s personal electronic device caught fire.An order issued by DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav said the “travelling public and airlines” were advised to ensure that the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 powerbank was not carried or transported on board the aircraft.“Airlines are further advised to take appropriate measures to identify and prevent the carriage of the aforesaid powerbank and to disseminate this safety advisory to the passengers through suitable communication channels,” the order said.
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Over the past year, several countries, including India, have started restricting powerbank usage on aircraft due to the possibility of them catching fire. Apart from limiting the number of powerbanks and their battery capacity, they can neither be used to charge personal electronic devices nor be charged via the in-seat power source on aircraft.Instances of PED and powerbank fires have been on the rise globally. The biggest scare here remains airlines taking cabin bags from passengers at the boarding gate to be kept in the baggage hold. If a fire breaks out in the belly baggage hold, it may be a while before it is detected.