IndiGo flight makes emergency landing after power bank catches fire

The incident, which occurred on October 11, involved 180 passengers and seven crew members. Amateur footage from inside the cabin captured the tense moments as travelers stood in the aisle, watching the crew tackle the fire. No injuries were reported, and the airline successfully deployed a replacement aircraft to complete the journey to Chennai.

IndiGo’s safety protocols explicitly forbid storing power banks in overhead compartments or checked luggage, requiring them to be kept in a seat pocket or on one's person. The fire highlights the persistent dangers of lithium-ion batteries, which can suffer from "thermal runaway"—a process where internal temperatures rise uncontrollably, leading to gas release and open flames. While investigations into the specific device are ongoing, aviation authorities continue to tighten restrictions on the quantity and handling of portable chargers to mitigate the risk of midair combustion.