Hyderabad/Chandigarh, May 5, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) — A power bank blast onboard an IndiGo flight from Hyderabad to Chandigarh left five passengers injured on Tuesday, triggering panic inside the aircraft.
The incident occurred on flight 6E-108 while the aircraft was at the airport. The power bank, kept inside a passenger’s bag, reportedly caught fire and exploded, filling the cabin with smoke. Passengers were evacuated through emergency exits.
According to airline officials, the aircraft was immediately evacuated as a precaution, and all 198 passengers were safely moved to the terminal. The airline team assisted passengers after the evacuation.
Sources said the flight had landed safely around 3:29 pm with 198 passengers, two infants, and six crew members onboard. As the aircraft was taxiing, a passenger seated at 39C alerted the crew about fire in a power bank. The cabin crew used fire safety equipment to control the situation, but smoke spread inside the cabin.
Emergency protocols were activated, and around 3:35 pm, emergency exits were opened. Passengers were evacuated using air slides. Fire tenders reached the spot at around 3:38 pm, by which time the situation was under control.
The exact cause of the blast is yet to be determined. Police and airport authorities have launched an investigation.
In a statement, IndiGo said the aircraft would undergo necessary technical checks before being cleared for operations again, adding that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
As per guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the use of power banks for charging devices during flights has been banned since January 2026. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are allowed only in hand baggage due to fire risks associated with lithium-based batteries.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
