The power bank rules on flights in India changed in January 2026, and many flyers still pack as before. Also, the DGCA now bars passengers from using a power bank to charge devices in the air. Power banks must travel in hand baggage, and they must not sit in the overhead bin.

Quick answer

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Do not use a power bank to charge your phone during the flight, including from a seat socket.
  • Keep it within reach, for example in the seat pocket or under the seat, not in the overhead bin.
  • Airlines typically allow up to 100Wh, which is about 27,000mAh. Your airline sets the exact limit.
  • Avoid damaged, swollen or unlabelled power banks.

What the DGCA changed on power bank rules on flights

Business Today reports that the January 2026 Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular sets two main rules. First, passengers may not use power banks to charge phones or other devices during a flight. That covers charging the power bank from aircraft seat power as well.

Second, power banks and spare lithium batteries must be carried in hand baggage. They should not be stowed in overhead compartments. The idea is that crew can spot smoke or heat quickly if a battery fails.

Is there a review underway?

Yes. In May 2026, Business Today reported that the DGCA was reviewing global practices after a power bank reportedly caught fire on an IndiGo aircraft at Chandigarh. A source said no decision had been taken on banning passengers from carrying power banks at all.

So the current rules stand, but they may tighten. Check your airline’s website before you fly, because carriers can add their own limits on top of the DGCA advisory.

How big a power bank can you carry?

Airline pages, such as Akasa Air’s, say power banks are typically rated up to 100Wh, which is usually about 27,000mAh. Next, the exact capacity limit is set by each airline. Most Indian power banks print mAh, not Wh, so a quick conversion helps.

Multiply the mAh by the battery voltage, usually 3.7 volts, then divide by 1,000. For example, a 20,000mAh power bank works out to about 74Wh. A 10,000mAh one is about 37Wh. Both sit well under 100Wh.

Akasa Air says not to travel with power banks that lack a clear capacity label. Therefore, keep the original packaging or choose a model with a printed rating.

Practical packing tips

  • Pack the power bank in your cabin bag, where you can reach it.
  • Protect the terminals with the original case, tape or a small plastic bag.
  • Do not carry damaged, swollen or recalled power banks.
  • Move it from the overhead bin to the seat pocket once you board, if your bag is stowed above.
  • Charge your phone before you leave home, so you do not need the power bank in the air.

Akasa Air’s guidance also says the power bank can stay on board only as an inactive item. In other words, it should be switched off and not connected to anything during the flight.

For other limits that matter at the gate, see our guide to the cabin baggage limit in India. Then, if you fly internationally, the baggage rules for 2026 are worth a read too.

Why airlines are strict about lithium batteries

Lithium batteries can overheat if they are damaged or short-circuited. In the cabin, a crew member can reach a smoking power bank fast. That is the reasoning behind keeping them out of checked baggage.

The ICAO also advised in March that portable chargers should stay within reach and should not be charged on board, according to Business Today. Also, the advice matches the DGCA’s direction.

FAQ

Can I use a power bank on a flight in India?

You can carry one, but you cannot use it to charge devices during the flight. This is the DGCA rule from January 2026.

Can I put a power bank in checked baggage?

No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in cabin baggage. Checked bags are not allowed for them.

What is the maximum power bank size allowed?

Airlines typically cap power banks at 100Wh, about 27,000mAh. Because each airline sets its own limit, check with yours before travel. For the DGCA review and rules, see Business Today’s report and Akasa Air’s guidance.