You know that little brick you toss into your bag before every trip? The one that keeps your phone alive through a three-hour delay? Let me be honest, I’ve shoved mine into an overhead bin a hundred times without a second thought.
After Sunday’s scare on an IndiGo flight, I’m not sure I’ll do that again.
What Happened at 30,000 Feet
The flight and the sudden detour
IndiGo flight 6E 6115, an Airbus A321-251N flying from Delhi to Chennai, was supposed to leave at 1:10 pm on Sunday, October 11. It actually pushed off at about 1:30 pm, with an expected 4 pm arrival in Chennai. But somewhere along the way, a power bank in the overhead luggage compartment reportedly malfunctioned and caught fire.
The pilots didn’t push on. Following established protocols, they diverted to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad and landed safely. All passengers and crew were reported safe.
The video that’s doing the rounds
Here’s the thing that gave me chills. A passenger recorded the whole mess on a mobile phone, and the clip shows flames erupting from the overhead bin. Other passengers can be seen dabbing at the blaze with their bags, trying to smother it before it spread.
It’s raw and scary. And honestly, that kind of instinct, grabbing whatever you can, is totally human. But it’s also exactly why trained cabin crew exist. They arrived with fire extinguishers and put the flames out, according to reports.
What IndiGo said
IndiGo’s statement was calm. The airline said smoke was detected from a customer’s personal electronic device, and that cabin crew responded promptly and brought the situation under control. It stressed that the safety of customers and crew is its top priority, arranged an alternate aircraft for the onward journey to Chennai, and expressed regret for the inconvenience. 🙏
Some details are still unclear. The exact time and location of the incident haven’t been confirmed, and the cause is still reported as a power bank rather than formally established. Authorities were inspecting the aircraft, so keep an eye out for updates.
The Key Facts at a Glance
Since you asked for the main details, here’s a quick rundown:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| First | Flight: IndiGo 6E 6115, Delhi to Chennai |
| Second | Aircraft: Airbus A321-251N |
| Third | Scheduled departure: 1:10 pm, actual departure about 1:30 pm |
| Fourth | Scheduled arrival in Chennai: 4:00 pm |
| Fifth | Fire location: Overhead luggage compartment |
| Sixth | Reported cause: Malfunctioning power bank |
| Seventh | Diverted to: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad |
| Eighth | Outcome: Fire extinguished by crew, all passengers and crew safe, alternate aircraft arranged |
Why These Fires Keep Happening
The rules most of us ignore
India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, has been tightening rules around power banks for a while. According to reports on the 2026 guidelines, power banks are allowed only in carry-on baggage. Passengers can’t use them to charge phones or other gadgets during flight, including through seat power outlets. And they shouldn’t be stored in overhead compartments, because a fire up there is harder to spot and control.
And yeah, that last part hits differently now.
It’s not the first time
That’s where it gets interesting, and a little worrying. This keeps happening:
| Run | When | What happened |
|---|---|---|
| First | October 19, 2025 | A power bank caught fire in a seat-back pocket on IndiGo flight 6E 2107 at Delhi airport. The crew put it out within seconds and the flight later continued to Dimapur |
| Second | October 2025 | Reports of a lithium battery fire in an overhead compartment on an Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul |
| Third | May 2026 | A power bank fire on an IndiGo flight at Chandigarh airport led to an evacuation |
| Fourth | October 11, 2026 | The Delhi-Chennai diversion to Hyderabad |
After the 2025 Delhi incident, the aviation minister said the DGCA would review the matter. An official also said at the time that restrictions might come, but that no ban on power banks was planned. Whatever happens next, the pattern is hard to ignore.
01What happened to IndiGo flight 6E 6115, which was en route from Delhi to Chennai?
On Sunday, October 11, 2026, a power bank stored in an overhead luggage compartment reportedly malfunctioned and caught fire during the flight. The aircraft was diverted to Hyderabad instead of Chennai and landed safely. The cabin crew extinguished the fire, and all passengers and crew members were reported safe.
02Why did the IndiGo Delhi-Chennai flight have to be diverted to Hyderabad?
The diversion was a safety-related decision. After being alerted to a fire in the cabin, the pilots followed established protocols and landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad instead of continuing to Chennai. The Airbus A321-251N aircraft landed safely.
03Was anyone injured in the IndiGo power bank fire?
Reports say all passengers and crew members were safe, with no injuries reported. Authorities were inspecting the aircraft at the time of reporting, so further details may emerge through subsequent updates.
04What time did the flight take off, and when did the fire break out?
The flight was scheduled to depart Delhi at 1:10 pm but reportedly took off at around 1:30 pm. It was due to arrive in Chennai at 4 pm. The exact time and location of the fire have not been confirmed, and it remains unclear how far into the journey the crew first noticed smoke.
05What does the viral video from the flight show?
A passenger-recorded video reportedly shows flames coming from an overhead bin. Other passengers can be seen attempting to smother the fire with their bags. According to reports, cabin crew members then arrived with fire extinguishers and put out the flames.
06What has IndiGo said about the incident?
The airline said smoke was detected from a customer's electronic device and that the cabin crew responded promptly and brought the situation under control. IndiGo said passenger and crew safety was its priority, confirmed that an alternate aircraft had been arranged for the onward journey, and expressed regret for the inconvenience. Its statement did not specifically identify the device as a power bank.
07Has the cause of the fire been confirmed?
No formal cause has been confirmed in the information available. Reports point to a power bank, but that remains the reported explanation rather than an official finding. Authorities were inspecting the aircraft, and further information may become available after the inspection.
08What happened to passengers after the aircraft landed in Hyderabad?
IndiGo said it arranged an alternate aircraft to carry passengers onward to Chennai. Available reports do not specify when the replacement flight departed or when passengers eventually reached their destination.
09What are the DGCA's rules on carrying and using power banks on flights?
According to reports about the applicable guidance, power banks must be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage. Restrictions may also apply to storing them in overhead compartments and using them to charge devices during a flight. Because these details should be checked against the regulator's actual published directions, passengers should consult the latest DGCA guidance and their airline's rules before travelling.
10Is this the first time a power bank has caught fire on a flight?
No. Reports describe earlier incidents involving power banks and lithium batteries. On October 19, 2025, a power bank reportedly caught fire on IndiGo flight 6E 2107 at Delhi airport before the flight continued to Dimapur. In May 2026, another reported power bank fire on an IndiGo flight at Chandigarh airport led to an evacuation. These incidents are separate from the October 11, 2026, Delhi-Chennai flight diversion.
11Is there a ban on power banks on flights in India?
Following the October 2025 Delhi incident, reports said the aviation ministry and the DGCA were reviewing power-bank safety requirements. The information provided does not establish whether a broader ban has since been introduced. Passengers should check the latest official DGCA guidance and airline policies for current restrictions.