Summary (tl;dr)

An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad after a passenger's power bank caught fire in an overhead compartment, prompting concerns about the safety of lithium-ion batteries on flights. The incident highlights ongoing challenges for airlines and regulators in managing fire risks associated with these devices.

Essential Background

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in power banks, pose a fire risk due to their potential to overheat, swell, or undergo thermal runaway, which can lead to intense fires or explosions. Aviation regulators globally, including India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), have established strict rules for carrying power banks on flights. These regulations typically prohibit power banks in checked baggage and restrict their use and charging during flights, requiring them to be carried in cabin baggage within a passenger's personal reach. This is not an isolated incident; there have been previous cases of power banks catching fire on IndiGo flights and other airlines.

The Full Story

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, IndiGo flight 6E 6115, en route from Delhi to Chennai, was diverted to Hyderabad after a power bank in an overhead luggage compartment ignited. Cabin crew promptly extinguished the flames, and the aircraft made a safe landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. All 191 passengers and crew were reported safe, with no injuries. IndiGo subsequently arranged an alternative aircraft for passengers to continue their journey to Chennai. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.

Why It Matters

This incident is trending because it underscores the critical safety challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries on commercial flights, raising passenger awareness and renewing discussions among aviation authorities and airlines about the enforcement and effectiveness of current safety protocols. The event highlights the need for passengers to strictly adhere to airline policies regarding the storage and use of power banks, particularly the prohibition of stowing them in overhead compartments. It also emphasizes the importance of swift and effective cabin crew response to such emergencies to prevent more serious incidents.

Geographic Location

• IndiGo Flight 6E 6115 (originating flight)
• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, Telangana, India (emergency landing location)