DGCA bans Mobikins MK-PB-04 power bank on all flights to, from and within India

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has barred the Mobikins MK-PB-04 power bank from all passenger and cargo flights to, from and within India, according to reports by Business Standard and IANS published on 14 October. The ban covers this one model only and is not a blanket ban on power banks.

What the order says

According to Business Standard, DGCA chief Vir Vikram Yadav advised passengers and airlines that the power bank should not be carried or transported on board. Airlines have been told to identify the device, stop it from being carried and inform passengers through suitable channels.

• Model: Mobikins MK-PB-04
• Scope: domestic, international and cargo flights to, from and within India
• Covers: cabin baggage, checked baggage and cargo (TravelBiz Monitor)
• Passengers are advised to check the model number of their power bank before travel

Link to IndiGo fire

Business Standard and IANS (via Madhyamam) reported that the order followed a fire linked to a power bank on an IndiGo flight from Delhi to Chennai, which was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday (11 October). Madhyamam’s IANS-based report names the Mobikins MK-PB-04 as the device. Business Standard’s text does not confirm that the burning unit was this model.

Reports also differ on when the order was issued. TravelBiz Monitor reported that the DGCA circular was dated 29 September, before the IndiGo incident, and cited earlier fire reports involving the device. Business Standard and IANS described the ban as coming after the onboard fire. The Daily Rostrum could not independently check the circular’s date. None of the reports included a statement from IndiGo or the manufacturer, and none mentioned any recall or order from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) or the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).

Existing power bank rules

According to Business Standard, an earlier DGCA dangerous goods advisory already provides that:

• Power banks and spare batteries are allowed only in hand baggage and not in overhead bins
• Power banks cannot be used to charge phones or other devices during a flight, including through seat power outlets
• Passengers must alert cabin crew at once if a device overheats, smokes or gives off an unusual smell

The IANS report adds that airlines must train cabin crew for battery emergencies and report lithium battery fires or malfunctions to the regulator.

Sources: Business Standard, Madhyamam (IANS), TravelBiz Monitor