DGCA Bans Power Banks on Flights for Safety, IndiGo Disruption Probe Ongoing

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the DGCA's prohibition of power banks on aircraft is a safety measure based on thorough research and global standards from ICAO. He also confirmed that the inquiry committee's report on recent IndiGo flight disruptions has been received and is undergoing detailed analysis by the DGCA. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers told employees the airline has stabilized operations after a challenging period, with over 2,200 daily flights restored. The minister emphasized that following such regulations is crucial to maintaining safety standards for all passengers and flights.

Key Points: DGCA Power Bank Ban & IndiGo Disruption Probe Update

  • DGCA bans power banks in aircraft for safety
  • Rules based on global ICAO research
  • Inquiry report on IndiGo disruptions received
  • In-depth analysis of report underway
  • IndiGo CEO says operations have stabilized
2 min read

DGCA guidelines on prohibition of power banks inside aircraft aimed at passenger safety: Civil Aviation Minister

Civil Aviation Minister explains DGCA's power bank ban for flight safety and provides an update on the IndiGo disruption inquiry committee report.

"Whenever DGCA issues guidelines or rules, it keeps the safety of the people and the aircraft in mind. - Ram Mohan Naidu"

Bhogapuram, January 4

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Sunday said the guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation prohibiting the usage of power banks in the aircrafts, are aimed at passenger and flight safety.

"Whenever DGCA issues guidelines or rules, it keeps the safety of the people and the aircraft in mind. Whatever it does, it does thorough research, thorough consultation, and most of it comes from the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which is consulting with stakeholders across the world. So once they decide on a certain rule or regulation, it is important for us also to follow it so that we maintain that safety, and it is in that regard we are doing it," Minister told ANI.

Speaking on the report submitted on the IndiGo disruptions, he said that the report from the inquiry committee has returned, and an in-depth analysis and fact-check are underway through the DGCA.

"The report has come from the inquiry committee. Now, through the DGCA, we are exploring the facts that have been mentioned in the committee report, and we are going to do an in-depth analysis. Any further questions that arise, we will take feedback on that, and once we are very thorough, then we will take action," he stated.

Earlier, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers had told employees that the airline has emerged stronger after a challenging period, saying "the worst is behind us as operations stabilised and the carrier restored its network to 2,200 flights".

In an internal message, Elbers praised employees across functions for standing united during recent disruptions.

"Dear IndiGo colleagues, through the storm, we are finding our wings again. The worst is behind us. These last two weeks have been very challenging for all of us," he said, thanking pilots, cabin crew, airport staff, operations control and customer service teams for their support.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is going to be a huge problem for business travelers. My phone battery dies quickly with all the emails and calls. Airlines need to ensure every seat has a charging port if they're taking away our power banks.
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Arjun K
Fully support the Minister. We follow ICAO guidelines for a reason. Remember the Samsung Note 7 incidents? Lithium-ion batteries can be risky. Hope the enforcement is strict at all airports.
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Sarah B
As a frequent flyer, I appreciate the transparency. But the communication needs to be better. Many passengers still don't know about this rule. Airports and airlines should run awareness campaigns.
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Vikram M
Good move. But what about the IndiGo report? Passengers faced real hardship. Hope the DGCA's "in-depth analysis" leads to concrete action and penalties if needed. Accountability is key.
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Nisha Z
It's a bit confusing. We can carry them in hand baggage but not use them? Or are they completely banned? Clarity please! Also, will there be charging stations at boarding gates?

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