An emergency evacuation was carried out at Chandigarh Airport on Tuesday after a power bank caught fire aboard an IndiGo flight that had just arrived from Hyderabad, officials said.
The incident involved IndiGo flight 6E 108, which had landed safely and was stationary on the tarmac when the fire broke out inside the cabin.
Fire Broke Out After Landing
According to the airline, the blaze was caused by a passenger’s personal electronic device. In a statement, IndiGo said the incident occurred after landing, prompting the crew to immediately initiate emergency evacuation procedures.
“In the interest of safety, an immediate evacuation was carried out and all relevant authorities were informed,” the airline said.
To ensure a quick evacuation, the crew deployed all six emergency slides, allowing passengers to exit the aircraft rapidly and move safely to the terminal building.
No Major Injuries Reported
Officials said all passengers were evacuated safely. Around five passengers were reportedly taken to hospital as a precaution, but authorities later clarified that no serious injuries were reported.
The aircraft has since been grounded for detailed safety inspection before being cleared for further operations.
DGCA Identifies Source of Fire
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation said preliminary findings indicate that the fire originated from a power bank kept in a seat pocket by a passenger seated in row 39C.
Cabin crew responded swiftly and managed to contain the flames using two fire extinguishers, preventing the incident from escalating further.
Power Bank Rules on Flights
Following the incident, the DGCA reiterated existing aviation safety norms regarding carriage of power banks.
Passengers are allowed to carry power banks only in hand baggage. They are not permitted in checked-in luggage, and their use during flight is generally restricted depending on airline regulations.
The aviation regulator also stressed that power banks and spare lithium batteries must not be kept in overhead compartments, as fires in those locations are much harder for crew members to detect and control quickly.
Safety Reminder for Air Travellers
The incident has once again highlighted the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, which power most portable electronic devices.
Air safety experts note that overheating, short-circuiting, or physical damage can trigger battery fires, making prompt detection and immediate crew response crucial.
Authorities are continuing to examine the exact circumstances that led to the onboard fire.
