Aviation regulator bans Mobikins power bank model on all flights

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has prohibited the carriage of the Mobikins MK-PB-04 model power bank on all aircraft operating to, from and within India. The safety directive covers both passenger luggage and cargo shipments.

The restriction follows a fire incident involving a personal electronic device on board an aircraft. Aviation authorities acted to mitigate fire hazards associated with specific lithium-ion battery configurations carried inside aircraft cabins and cargo holds.

Under the order issued by Director General of Civil Aviation Vir Vikram Yadav, the regulator instructed domestic and foreign carriers to ensure the specified equipment is barred from all flights. The directive applies equally to checked baggage, cabin bags and commercial cargo.

Airlines received specific instructions to implement identification protocols at check-in counters and boarding gates. Carriers must also disseminate safety advisories to passengers through digital and physical communication channels regarding the restricted model.

The restriction targets only the Mobikins MK-PB-04 model and does not introduce a comprehensive prohibition on all portable charging devices. Standard regulatory guidelines governing general power banks and spare lithium batteries remain active across Indian airspace.

Existing dangerous goods regulations mandate that portable chargers and spare batteries must be carried exclusively in hand luggage. Passengers are prohibited from placing power banks in checked baggage or utilizing them to charge personal devices through aircraft seat power outlets during flight.

Aviation safety experts note that battery-related incidents on commercial flights have drawn heightened scrutiny from global regulators. Carriers continue to train cabin crews on specialized containment procedures for overheating electronic equipment encountered mid-air.