India
oi-Ashish Rana
An IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday, 11 October, after smoke was detected coming from a passenger’s personal electronic device. The aircraft made a safe emergency landing at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, following which the airline arranged an alternative flight to take passengers to their destination.
On Sunday, 11 October, IndiGo flight 6E 6115 from Delhi to Chennai diverted to Hyderabad for a safe emergency landing after smoke from a passenger’s personal electronic device was detected. Passengers were re-accommodated on an alternative flight.
Initial reports suggested that a passenger’s power bank may have caught fire. However, IndiGo’s official statement referred only to smoke coming from a personal electronic device. The exact cause of the incident and the identity of the device were not immediately confirmed.
What Happened On IndiGo Flight 6E 6115?
The incident occurred aboard IndiGo flight 6E 6115, which was operating from Delhi to Chennai. After smoke was detected from a passenger’s electronic device, the cabin crew acted promptly and brought the situation under control.
A passenger described the incident as frightening, saying some people on board initially struggled to understand what was happening. The situation reportedly caused panic among passengers as the crew responded to the developing emergency.
Following safety protocols, the pilots decided to divert the aircraft to Hyderabad rather than continue towards Chennai.
Aircraft Makes Safe Emergency Landing In Hyderabad
The aircraft landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad, Hyderabad. IndiGo said the safety of passengers and crew members remained its highest priority and that the diversion was carried out in accordance with established safety procedures.
There were no immediate reports confirming injuries among passengers or crew members. However, further details about the incident, including the precise cause of the smoke, were awaited.
The airline subsequently arranged an alternative aircraft to transport passengers to Chennai. IndiGo also said it was providing refreshments and regular updates to minimise inconvenience caused by the unexpected diversion.
The airline expressed regret over the disruption to passengers’ travel plans.
Previous Power Bank Fire Incident Reported In May
A similar incident was reported in May on a flight travelling from Hyderabad to Chandigarh. In that case, a passenger’s electronic device reportedly caught fire while the aircraft was moving along the taxiway.
The device was subsequently identified as a power bank, according to reports. Smoke spread through the aircraft’s cabin, prompting the crew to use a fire extinguisher and evacuate passengers through inflatable emergency slides.
More than 200 passengers and six airline employees were reportedly on board, including two infants. The evacuation was carried out as a precaution because of the smoke inside the cabin.
Such incidents have raised concerns about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries carried on aircraft.
What Are The Rules For Carrying Power Banks On Flights?
Power banks contain rechargeable batteries that can overheat or catch fire if they are damaged, defective or exposed to certain unsafe conditions. Airlines therefore follow specific safety requirements for carrying portable batteries on board.
Passengers should remember that permission to carry a power bank does not mean it can be used in every situation. Airline rules and restrictions on the use of portable batteries must be followed.
If a power bank or another electronic device becomes unusually hot, begins swelling or emits smoke, passengers should immediately alert the cabin crew rather than attempt to handle the situation themselves.
The crew can then follow the appropriate safety procedures to manage the risk and protect everyone on board.
