Power Bank blast in Indian flight: Why it happens and why these devices can become dangerous onboard

A plane operated by IndiGo, flying from Hyderabad to Chandigarh, caused a major concern regarding passenger safety this week due to a fire breaking out from one passenger's personal battery power bank right after the plane touched down at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. Based on several media reports, there was an emergence of smoke in the plane right after landing when the power bank in the baggage of one passenger was ignited. This resulted in a rapid emergency evacuation with the help of inflated slides. The video clips that were recorded at the airport revealed that many passengers left the plane quickly as there was smoke within the plane.Once again, the event has brought to the forefront the growing dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries utilised in power banks, cell phones, laptop computers, and other portable electronic devices. According to an article published by The Wall Street Journal, several aviation regulatory bodies and airlines across the globe have imposed stricter regulations for these devices following a spike in cabin fires over recent years.Despite widespread confusion online, power banks are generally not banned from hand baggage on commercial flights. In fact, under international aviation standards, travellers are required to place power banks in their cabin baggage rather than in their checked luggage. The reason is simple; should there be any fire caused by the device, the cabin crew will have no trouble addressing any overheating batteries inside the cabin. It is more challenging to extinguish fires inside the cargo hold. The problem with power banks that regulators and airlines seek to address is their use during the flight itself. The most serious threat is posed by the malfunction of lithium-ion batteries, a condition called "thermal runaway." In thermal runaway, a battery cell overheats, possibly resulting in smoke, fire, or even explosion-like damage. According to studies, there are some risks associated with manufacturing flaws, short-circuits within the cell, mechanical abuse, high temperature, overcharging, or counterfeit products. Thermal runaway triggers an immediate rise in temperatures that may spread to other battery cells, making fires hard to contain.There is growing concern among aviation regulators around the world due to the number of electronic gadgets carried by passengers nowadays. There are instances of emergency landings and evacuations caused by overheated power banks and smartphones over the past few years.As per a report published by Business Standard, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India had already released advisories regarding the increased fire hazards associated with lithium batteries. Reports suggest that airlines have started advising passengers to stop using power banks in the flight and to make sure that they are easily accessible instead of keeping them in check-in luggage or overhead cabins. Other airlines operating internationally have also imposed stringent restrictions on the number of power banks passengers can carry or the usage of power banks while flying.It is always advisable to carry genuine power banks manufactured by well-known companies and avoid carrying any damaged or swollen batteries. It is also suggested to never expose them to high temperatures. People have been advised not to put power banks inside seat pockets because they would remain unnoticed until they get overheated. Though many have suggested banning the usage of power banks on flights following the recent incident in Chandigarh, that remains an opinion-based debate rather than an announced regulatory decision at this stage. Current aviation guidance continues to permit power banks in cabin baggage within specified battery capacity limits.