Power Bank Catches Fire On IndiGo Hyderabad–Chandigarh Flight, Passengers Evacuated Safely

A routine flight turned into a tense situation on Tuesday, May 5, when a power bank caught fire on board an IndiGo aircraft shortly after landing at Chandigarh Airport.

The incident took place on flight 6E 108, which had arrived from Hyderabad. While the aircraft was stationary on the tarmac, a passenger's personal electronic device reportedly started emitting smoke and flames, prompting immediate action from the crew.

Swift Action by Cabin Crew Ensures Safety

The cabin crew responded quickly as soon as the fire was noticed. Following safety protocols, an emergency evacuation was carried out to protect passengers and crew members.

Passengers were seen exiting the aircraft and moving onto the tarmac. Videos shared on X showed the urgency of the situation, with travellers quickly distancing themselves from the aircraft.

According to initial reports, the cabin began filling with smoke, creating panic among passengers. Despite the tense moments, most people were safely evacuated.

Minor Injuries Reported

While the evacuation was largely smooth, around five passengers are believed to have suffered minor injuries during the process. They were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Authorities have not reported any serious injuries, and all passengers were safely moved to the terminal.

IndiGo Issues Official Statement

In an official statement, IndiGo confirmed the incident and explained the sequence of events.

"On 5 May 2026, while IndiGo flight 6E 108 from Hyderabad to Chandigarh was stationary after landing, an incident involving a customer's personal electronic equipment catching fire was reported," the airline said.

The airline added that safety procedures were immediately followed.

"In the interest of safety, an immediate evacuation was carried out and all relevant authorities were informed. All customers have been safely moved to the terminal and are being attended to. The aircraft will undergo necessary checks before resuming operations."

DGCA Rules on Power Banks and Safety

The incident has once again highlighted the risks linked to lithium-ion batteries used in power banks. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has laid down strict rules to reduce such risks.

Key Guidelines:

• Carry-on only: Power banks are not allowed in checked luggage and must be kept in cabin bags
• No in-flight charging: Passengers should not use power banks to charge devices during flights
• Proper storage: Power banks and spare batteries should not be placed in overhead compartments

These rules are designed to ensure that any issue can be quickly detected and handled by the crew.

Aircraft to Undergo Safety Checks

The aircraft involved in the incident will remain grounded for detailed inspection by technical teams and aviation authorities. Only after all safety checks are completed will it be cleared for further operations.

The quick response by the IndiGo crew helped prevent a potentially serious situation from escalating. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety guidelines, especially when carrying electronic devices with lithium-ion batteries.