As exciting and comfortable as it is to travel among the clouds in the sky, there are equally tough challenges regarding aviation safety. Recently, a dangerous incident of a massive fire in the power bank inside an aircraft of the country's leading airline Indigo came to light. This sensational accident has alarmed the country's aviation regulatory and safety authorities. In view of this serious threat, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has taken a very strict and prompt decision and has issued new and strict security instructions regarding the use of electronic gadgets and power banks carried by passengers in Indian aircraft. DGCA has made it clear that even a little carelessness on the part of passengers can cost the lives of hundreds of people, hence a zero tolerance policy will be adopted against those who violate safety rules. Why was this strict step taken after the fire in IndiGo plane? Some time ago, during an Indigo flight, a short circuit occurred in the power bank of a passenger inside the plane, due to which a rapid spark came out and within a few moments the flames created chaos in the cabin. The good thing is that due to the intelligence and promptness of the crew members, the fire was controlled in time, otherwise it could have turned into a major plane crash. During investigation, it came to light that power banks containing cheap and poor quality lithium-ion batteries explode due to overcharging and changes in temperature during travel. Following this incident, the DGCA and other international air safety agencies reviewed how lethal the threat posed by batteries in closed and high-pressure cabins of aircraft could prove to be. DGCA's new strict rules for carrying power banks during travel: Under the new guidelines, passengers will now have to face heavy restrictions on carrying and using power banks inside the aircraft. According to DGCA rules, no passenger can keep power banks or spare lithium batteries inside the checked-in luggage, as it is impossible to immediately detect a fire in cargo hold. It has been made mandatory to carry all power banks only in cabin baggage i.e. hand bag. Apart from this, there is a complete ban on charging mobile phones or other devices from power banks under any circumstances during take-off, landing or travel of the aircraft. Passengers can only carry power banks of a certain capacity (usually less than 100Wh), and any power bank that does not have its capacity or voltage figures clearly marked will be immediately confiscated by security personnel during security checks. What other things are strictly banned during air travel? Apart from power banks, there are already strict restrictions on carrying many other dangerous and flammable items in air travel, which passengers should keep in mind. These mainly include lighters, matches, kitchen gas cylinders, highly flammable sprays, aerosols, paints, thinners, fireworks and chemical bleaches. Additionally, carrying sharp objects like knives, scissors, blades and large weapons in cabin bags is strictly prohibited. Security agencies have also become very cautious regarding gadgets like power banks and e-cigarettes or vape. If any passenger ignores the rules and tries to carry prohibited items inside the plane, he may have to face difficulties like paying heavy fines as well as legal action and being detained at the airport itself. To make air travel completely safe, it is the first responsibility of the passengers to follow these rules.
