The Mobikins MK PB 04 power bank is currently prohibited on all Indian flights after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a ban. Travelers should not place this power bank in hand luggage or checked baggage on any domestic or international flight operating to, from, or within India. The restriction follows recent safety incidents involving battery fires.
The DGCA announced a blanket ban on a specific make of power bank for all flights to, from, and within India, citing concerns over battery fires. The agency’s statement, reported by major Indian newspapers, indicates that the ban applies to both hand‑luggage and checked‑baggage compartments.
An IndiGo flight operating between Hyderabad and Srinagar was instructed to turn back after crew members discovered a power bank in the aircraft’s baggage hold. The incident, covered by NDTV, underscores the airline’s compliance with the DGCA’s safety directive.
Passengers planning to fly within India should be aware of the following practical implications:
Power banks store lithium‑ion cells that can overheat, vent, or ignite if they are damaged, overcharged, or improperly handled. The following table summarizes typical triggers reported in aviation incidents.
| Trigger | Result |
|---|---|
| Physical damage (crush, puncture) | Short circuit leading to fire |
| Over‑charging or use of non‑approved chargers | Thermal runaway |
| Exposure to extreme temperature | Cell degradation and heat buildup |
Yes. The DGCA’s ban targets only the identified make; other power banks that meet the standard capacity limit of 100 Wh are still allowed in cabin baggage, provided they are turned off during take‑off and landing. Airlines may still request inspection at security checkpoints.
Owners can follow these actions to avoid travel disruption:
Airlines have reported an increase in security‑screening time as staff verify power‑bank compliance. Passengers who inadvertently bring the prohibited model may face flight delays or the need to surrender the device at the gate. The ban also prompts airlines to update their onboard safety briefings and to communicate the restriction through booking confirmations.
Under DGCA regulations, knowingly transporting a banned power bank on a commercial flight can be treated as a violation of civil aviation safety rules. Penalties may include a monetary fine, confiscation of the device, and possible denial of boarding. In severe cases, repeated offenses could trigger an investigation by the aviation authority.
Below is a quick reference for power banks that meet the DGCA’s current allowance criteria.
| Capacity (Wh) | Allowed in Cabin | Allowed in Checked Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 100 Wh | Yes, must be turned off | No |
| 100 Wh – 160 Wh | Yes, airline approval required | No |
| > 160 Wh | No | No |
Follow these three simple steps before you travel:
The DGCA has indicated that it will continue to monitor incidents involving portable batteries. Future revisions could tighten capacity limits or introduce mandatory certification for all lithium‑ion devices. Travelers should stay updated by subscribing to DGCA alerts or following airline notifications.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the regulatory body responsible for civil aviation safety in India. It issues Air Safety Circulars that airlines must enforce, and it has the power to ban or restrict equipment that poses a fire risk. The recent ban on a specific power bank model was issued through such a circular.
Many travelers believe that any power bank is automatically prohibited, but DGCA rules only limit capacity and safety compliance. Another myth is that a power bank will explode simply because it is in a metal container; the real risk comes from internal cell failure, which is why the agency focuses on makes with a history of battery fires.
If you cannot take the Mobikins MK PB 04 on a flight, consider these options:
Passengers who witness a battery fire or suspect a prohibited device should immediately inform the cabin crew. The crew will follow DGCA‑approved procedures, which include isolating the device and notifying airport authorities. A written report can also be submitted to the DGCA via its online grievance portal.
The DGCA’s recent ban on the Mobikins MK PB 04 power bank reflects heightened safety vigilance after incidents of battery fires on Indian flights. By understanding the restriction, checking official sources, and using compliant charging devices, travelers can stay compliant and avoid unnecessary delays.
No. The DGCA ban applies to all flights to, from, and within India, covering both domestic and international routes that operate in Indian airspace.
Power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh may be allowed with explicit airline permission, but the specific Mobikins MK PB 04 model remains prohibited regardless of its capacity.
Check the latest DGCA circular, consider selling, donating, or recycling the device, or keep it at home and use an approved low‑capacity power bank for travel.
Look for a label showing watt‑hours. If only milli‑ampere‑hours are listed, multiply the mAh value by the voltage (usually 3.7 V) and divide by 1,000 to calculate Wh.
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