Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma calls for power bank ban on flights after IndiGo fire incident

Title: Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma calls for power bank ban on flights after IndiGo fire incident Paragraph 1 Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma has publicly urged the aviation authorities to prohibit the carriage of power banks on all domestic and international flights to India following a fire incident on an IndiGo aircraft that caused significant alarm among passengers. In a statement released via his social media channels, Sharma criticised airlines for allowing the storage of lithium‑ion batteries in carry‑on luggage, citing concerns over safety and regulatory compliance. He said the incident “underscores the need for immediate action to protect millions of travellers and the industry’s reputation.” Paragraph 2 The fire occurred on a 20‑minute flight from Mumbai to New Delhi on Tuesday, when a passenger’s power bank sparked after it was dropped onto the aisle during a turbulence episode..

Eyewitnesses reported smoke and a faint electrical smell, but fortunately, there were no injuries and the aircraft landed safely. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the incident involved a brand‑new, high‑capacity 20‑000mAh power bank, a type that has been flagged in past safety audits for its potential to overheat. Paragraph 3 Sharma’s call comes at a time when the DGCA has been tightening its oversight of electronic devices on board..

Last month, the authority issued a circular requiring airlines to obtain a special permit for all lithium‑ion batteries exceeding 100 Wh, a threshold that covers most portable chargers. In response to the IndiGo incident, the DGCA said it would review the current guidelines and consider a comprehensive ban on all power banks, irrespective of capacity, to avoid any future hazards. Paragraph 4 The founder of Paytm, a fintech giant with a user base of over 350 million, expressed his frustration with the airlines’ apparent laxity..

He added, “We have seen other countries adopt stricter measures, yet India lags. Passengers deserve better safety protocols.” Sharma also criticised airlines for inadequate passenger education on battery safety, pointing out that most flight attendants do not receive training on dealing with battery fires and that many passengers remain unaware of the risks associated with charging devices mid‑flight. Paragraph 5 IndiGo’s spokesperson, Anurag Khanna, responded by stating that the airline follows all safety regulations and that the incident was an isolated event..

“We have strict policies for passengers carrying electronic devices, and our crew was trained to handle any emergency situation,” Khanna said. He also highlighted that the company has an “in‑flight safety team” that monitors and manages any device‑related incidents, and that the flight crew was able to contain the fire swiftly, preventing damage to the cabin and loss of life. Paragraph 6 Industry analysts suggest that a ban on power banks could have a significant economic impact on airlines and consumers alike..

“Banning these devices would inconvenience millions of travellers who rely on them for connectivity,” said Ranjit Mehta, a senior analyst at aviation consultancy Aviate. Mehta added that airlines would need to invest in alternative power solutions, such as portable generators or enhanced in‑flight entertainment systems, to mitigate the risk of passenger dissatisfaction. Paragraph 7 Despite the potential drawbacks, safety advocates argue that the risks outweigh convenience..

Kavita Deshmukh, an expert in aviation safety at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, notes that lithium‑ion battery fires can spread rapidly and that once a fire is ignited, it is difficult to extinguish without specialized equipment. “Given the confined environment of an aircraft cabin, the margin for error is minimal,” she said. “A ban would be the most straightforward way to eliminate this hazard.” Paragraph 8 The Indian government has yet to issue a formal response to Sharma’s call, but a spokesperson for the Ministry of Civil Aviation said the DGCA’s review would be comprehensive..

“Safety is our top priority, and we are exploring all options, including stricter enforcement of existing regulations and potential new bans,” the spokesperson said. The ministry also noted that the aviation sector has seen no similar incidents in the past year, suggesting that current policies may be adequate. Paragraph 9 Internationally, several countries already prohibit power banks on commercial flights..

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned them in 2015 following a fire on a flight from India to the U.S., while the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requires that batteries be stored in the passenger’s luggage and not in the cabin. India’s move to adopt a similar stance would align it with global best practices, experts say, and potentially reduce the risk of costly aviation accidents. Paragraph 10 Consumer groups have expressed mixed reactions to Sharma’s proposal..

While many support stronger safety measures, others fear it could disrupt the growing trend of digital nomadism and the gig economy. “We need to find a balance between safety and practicality,” argued Shreya Patel, CEO of the Traveller’s Association of India. Patel suggested that airlines should instead invest in better battery safety training for crew and passengers rather than impose a blanket ban..

Paragraph 11 In a broader context, the incident highlights the challenges faced by the rapidly expanding Indian aviation sector. With passenger numbers projected to double by 2030, the industry must navigate a complex web of safety, regulatory, and consumer expectations. Sharma’s appeal has reignited the debate over how best to protect passengers while ensuring that airlines remain competitive and technologically relevant..

Paragraph 12 As the DGCA reviews its guidelines, airlines.