IndiGo Delhi-Chennai Flight Diverted to Hyderabad After Power Bank Catches Fire Mid-Air
Hyderabad, 11th October 2026: An IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday after smoke was detected from a passenger’s electronic device, reportedly a power bank, onboard the aircraft.
Flight 6E 6115 landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad after the pilots diverted the aircraft in accordance with established safety protocols. No injuries were reported in initial accounts of the incident.
According to IndiGo, the cabin crew responded promptly after smoke was detected and brought the situation under control. The airline said the pilots subsequently decided to divert the aircraft and land in Hyderabad.
The incident triggered panic among passengers, with a video circulating on social media showing people shouting “fire” and attempting to move luggage from the overhead compartments as smoke and flames were reportedly seen. The footage drew attention to the potential risks posed by lithium-ion batteries carried onboard aircraft.
IndiGo arranged an alternative aircraft to transport the affected passengers to Chennai, according to reports.
DGCA Advisory on Power Bank Safety
The incident has also brought renewed attention to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) safety advisory concerning lithium batteries and power banks.
In an advisory circular dated November 11, 2025, the DGCA advised airlines to prohibit passengers from using power banks to charge electronic devices during flights. The advisory also states that power banks and spare batteries should be carried only in hand baggage and must not be placed in overhead storage compartments.
The regulator noted that lithium batteries can pose a fire risk, particularly when they overheat, are damaged or develop an internal short circuit. Fires involving such batteries can be difficult to manage and may create serious safety risks onboard aircraft.
