An IndiGo Airline flight from Delhi to Chennai was forced to make an emergency diversion to Hyderabad on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after a power bank exploded in the overhead luggage compartment. The aircraft, an Airbus A-321NEO with registrations VT-NOE, was carrying passengers when the incident occurred. The flight, 6E6115, had departed from Delhi International Airport at approximately 1:30 PM IST and was scheduled to arrive in Chennai at about 4:00 PM IST.
According to reports, the power bank, which was contained in a passenger's in-flight baggage, caught fire in the overhead luggage compartment, triggering alarm among passengers. The cabin crew responded promptly and used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire and bring the situation under control. The pilots then diverted the aircraft to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, where it landed safely.
IndiGo subsequently arranged an alternative aircraft to transport passengers to Chennai, while the Airbus underwent thorough inspection and repairs. The airline confirmed that smoke was detected from a passenger's personal electronic device, which was later identified as a power bank on social media platforms in India. The incident highlights the importance of lithium-battery safety and the critical role of cabin crew training in managing onboard emergencies.
As a safety reminder, power banks contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and ignite. IndiGo Airline policy requires power banks to be carried in hand baggage and kept within passengers' personal reach, rather than stored in overhead compartments. This policy aims to minimize the risk of such incidents occurring in the future.
This incident comes less than a month after another power bank exploded aboard a KLM plane during a flight from Amsterdam to Curacao, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing. The similarity in incidents raises concerns about the safety of power banks on flights and the need for passengers to be aware of airline policies regarding their carriage.
The Tanzania Times has learned that the IndiGo flight was operated by a crew trained to respond to emergency situations. Their prompt action likely prevented the situation from escalating further. The incident is currently under investigation, and IndiGo Airlines is expected to release a detailed report on the incident.
The incident serves as a reminder to passengers to be mindful of airline policies and safety guidelines when carrying personal electronic devices on flights. Passengers are advised to familiarize themselves with airline policies and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on board.
Key points
- The power bank explosion on the IndiGo flight highlights the importance of lithium-battery safety and the critical role of cabin crew training in managing onboard emergencies.
- IndiGo Airline policy requires power banks to be carried in hand baggage and kept within passengers' personal reach, rather than stored in overhead compartments.
- This incident comes less than a month after another power bank exploded aboard a KLM plane during a flight from Amsterdam to Curacao.
