New Delhi: Aviation safety experts have underlined the urgent need to strictly enforce the one hand bag rule for air passengers, following rising concerns over lithium battery and power bank fire incidents on board aircraft.
Power Banks Restricted to Hand Bags Only
Under the revised safety norms, power banks and spare lithium batteries are permitted only in hand baggage and must not be stored in overhead bins. Passengers are also advised to keep such devices under constant supervision during the flight.
The move comes after several global incidents where lithium batteries overheated or caught fire mid-air, posing serious safety threats.
Why the One Hand Bag Rule Matters
Experts warn that airlines often collect cabin bags at boarding gates due to limited overhead bin space and place them in the aircraft’s baggage hold. This practice can be dangerous if bags contain power banks or portable electronic devices.
A senior pilot explained that a battery fire in the baggage hold could remain undetected for a longer time, allowing it to spread and cause severe damage before any corrective action is taken.
DGCA Advisory on Lithium Battery Risks
In its ‘dangerous goods advisory circular’, the DGCA highlighted that lithium batteries can act as ignition sources. Fires caused by such batteries are often intense, self-sustaining, and difficult to extinguish using conventional firefighting methods.
The regulator has instructed airlines to make in-flight safety announcements and ensure that passengers immediately alert cabin crew if any device emits heat, smoke, or unusual odour.
Global Precedents and Safety Measures
Several international airlines, including Emirates and Singapore Airlines, have already introduced similar restrictions. Aviation authorities worldwide are focusing on early detection, prevention of overheating, and strict monitoring of lithium battery-powered devices.
Experts believe consistent enforcement of baggage rules and passenger awareness are crucial to preventing potential onboard fire hazards.
