IndiGo Flight Diverted to Hyderabad After Power Bank Fire
An IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai was diverted mid-air to Hyderabad due to a fire caused by a power bank in the cabin.
A power bank caught fire on IndiGo flight 6E 6115, prompting an emergency landing.
All 180 passengers were unharmed, and an alternate aircraft was arranged for their journey.
Power banks are prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
A frightening incident occurred on October 11 when IndiGo flight 6E 6115, traveling from New Delhi to Chennai, was forced to divert to Hyderabad after a power bank ignited in an overhead storage compartment. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, took off from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1:30 PM and was scheduled to arrive in Chennai at 4 PM. However, it landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad at 3:59 PM, with all 180 passengers unharmed.
Videos shared online captured the chaotic moments as flames erupted from the overhead bin, with passengers attempting to extinguish the fire using cloth and bags. Amidst the panic, a voice was heard urging fellow travelers to remain calm. The cabin crew acted swiftly, and the situation was managed effectively, leading to the decision to divert the flight as a precautionary measure.
IndiGo Airlines released a statement confirming the incident, explaining that smoke was detected from a passenger's electronic device. They expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured that they were providing refreshments and updates to the affected passengers. An alternate aircraft was arranged to continue the journey to Chennai.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of power banks on flights. Due to the potential fire hazards posed by lithium-ion batteries, power banks are not allowed in checked baggage and are only permitted in cabin baggage. This policy stems from previous incidents, including a notable fire on May 5, 2026, on another IndiGo flight, which resulted in injuries to five passengers.
Looking ahead, the airline is expected to reinforce safety protocols regarding electronic devices on board. As incidents involving power banks continue to raise alarms, stricter regulations may be implemented to ensure passenger safety during flights.
