On May 5, 2026, a major aviation safety incident occurred when an IndiGo flight 6E108 traveling from Hyderabad to Chandigarh faced an emergency evacuation at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. The situation was triggered after a passenger’s power bank caught fire, leading to panic inside the aircraft.
Incident Details
What Happened
The fire broke out around 3:29 PM, shortly after the aircraft landed and was taxiing. Smoke was seen coming from an overhead cabin bag, later identified as a personal power bank.
Immediate Response
Cabin crew acted quickly using onboard fire extinguishers to control the flames. Despite this, dense smoke spread inside the cabin, creating panic among passengers.
Emergency Evacuation
- All 198 passengers, including two infants, and crew members were safely evacuated
- Evacuation was carried out using emergency inflatable slides
Injuries Reported
- One female passenger suffered a minor ankle fracture during evacuation
- A few others reported minor injuries
Aviation Rules & Investigation
DGCA Guidelines
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation enforces strict rules regarding power banks:
- Must be carried only in hand luggage
- Not allowed in checked baggage
- Usage for charging devices during flight is restricted or banned
Current Status
- The aircraft has been grounded for safety checks
- DGCA and airport authorities have launched a detailed investigation
- Following recent global incidents, DGCA has also tightened rules for lithium battery devices, effective January 2026.
Core Safety Guidelines for Passengers
Storage Rules
- Power banks must not be kept in overhead bins
- Recommended to keep them in seat pocket or under-seat area for visibility
Charging Restrictions
- Using power banks for charging devices during flight is strictly prohibited
- Charging power banks via aircraft power outlets is also not allowed
Capacity Limits
- Maximum 2 power banks per passenger
- Up to 100Wh (approximately 27,000 mAh) allowed without approval
- 100 to 160Wh requires airline permission
- Above 160Wh is completely banned
Operating Rules During Flight
Flight Mode Requirement
All portable electronic devices must remain in Flight Mode during the entire journey, including takeoff and landing.
WiFi Usage
In-flight WiFi can only be used after reaching 10,000 feet altitude while still keeping devices in Flight Mode.
Emergency Safety Protocols
Immediate Reporting
Passengers should alert cabin crew immediately if a device overheats, emits smoke, or produces unusual smells.
Battery Safety
If a device falls into seat gaps, do not adjust the seat. Inform crew to prevent battery damage and possible fire risk.
Conclusion
The IndiGo 6E108 incident highlights the serious risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, especially power banks, during air travel. While the quick response of the crew ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated, the event serves as a strong reminder to follow aviation safety rules strictly.
With DGCA tightening regulations and increasing awareness, passengers must stay cautious while carrying electronic devices to prevent such emergencies in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What caused the emergency evacuation on IndiGo flight 6E108?
A1. The evacuation was triggered after a passenger’s power bank caught fire, leading to dense smoke inside the aircraft cabin.
Q2. How many passengers were on board IndiGo flight 6E108?
A2. There were 198 passengers, including two infants, along with crew members on board.
Q3. What are the DGCA guidelines for carrying power banks on flights?
A3. Power banks must be carried only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage. Usage for charging devices during flight is restricted or banned.
Q4. What is the maximum number of power banks allowed per passenger?
A4. A maximum of 2 power banks per passenger is allowed. Capacity above 160Wh is completely banned.
Q5. What should passengers do if a device overheats or emits smoke during flight?
A5. Passengers should alert cabin crew immediately and avoid adjusting seats if a device falls into seat gaps.