IndiGo Flight Diverts Safely After Power Bank Fire in Overhead Bin: What You Need to Know
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was forced to divert to Hyderabad on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire inside an overhead luggage compartment. The flight, 6E 6115, operated by an Airbus A321neo, was carrying 191 people when the incident occurred. According to the airline, the cabin crew acted swiftly to douse the flames, and the pilots diverted the aircraft to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad as a precautionary measure. The plane landed safely, and no injuries were reported. IndiGo later reiterated that the safety of passengers and crew remains its top priority.nnThe incident highlights a growing concern in aviation: the risk posed by lithium-ion batteries, particularly power banks, which can overheat and ignite if damaged or mishandled. IndiGo’s published baggage policy explicitly requires that power banks and spare lithium batteries remain within passengers’ reach—such as under a seat, in a seat pocket, or on their person—rather than in overhead bins or checked luggage. This ensures that if a fire occurs, it can be quickly contained. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also advised airlines to keep power banks in hand baggage and to prevent their use or charging during flights. Despite these regulations, incidents like this one underscore the importance of strict adherence and passenger awareness.nnWhile the crew’s prompt response averted a disaster, the event has reignited debates about airline practices. One major concern raised by travelers is the common practice of airlines taking cabin bags from passengers at the boarding gate to be stored in the aircraft’s hold. This contradicts safety guidelines, as it places potentially hazardous items like power banks out of reach and in an area where a fire could go undetected. The biggest scare on this front remains airlines taking cabin bags from passengers at boarding gate to be kept in baggage hold of aircraft. Such actions not only violate DGCA norms but also increase the risk of catastrophic incidents. Passengers are urged to keep power banks accessible and to report any unusual heating or swelling immediately.nnIn the wake of this incident, IndiGo has reaffirmed its commitment to
Shimanta Das 
