Battery Fire Triggers Emergency Evacuation on IndiGo Flight at Chandigarh Airport
Photo Source: Rhythm Acharya via X
High drama unfolded at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport on Tuesday afternoon when an IndiGo flight arriving from Hyderabad was forced into an emergency evacuation after a passenger’s power bank caught fire on the tarmac.
Photo Source: Rhythm Acharya via X
Incident Overview
The situation developed at approximately 3:30 PM, shortly after Flight 6E108 had landed and was taxiing toward the terminal.
According to airport officials, panic spread quickly when a passenger’s portable charger—commonly known as a power bank—suddenly exploded, releasing thick, acrid smoke into the cabin.
Photo Source: Rhythm Acharya via X
Passengers reported a tense atmosphere as visibility inside the aircraft dropped and the smell of burning electronics filled the air. Within moments, what began as confusion escalated into a full-scale onboard emergency.
Swift Crew Response Prevents Escalation
Despite the chaos, the cabin crew responded with precision and speed. Trained for exactly this type of scenario, flight attendants immediately deployed the onboard fire extinguishing equipment and successfully contained the fire at its source.
Their rapid intervention prevented the flames from spreading to nearby seats or overhead compartments—areas where such fires can escalate rapidly due to confined space and flammable materials. The controlled evacuation that followed ensured all passengers and crew exited the aircraft safely, with no serious injuries reported.
Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Known Risk
Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was likely caused by a malfunction in a lithium-ion battery inside the power bank. These batteries, while widely used in personal electronics, can pose serious risks if damaged, overheated, or manufactured improperly.
Aviation authorities worldwide, including airlines like IndiGo, enforce strict guidelines on carrying such devices onboard—requiring them to be kept in carry-on baggage rather than checked luggage, precisely because of the need for quick access in case of emergencies.
Investigation Underway
Both airport authorities and IndiGo have launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause and whether safety protocols were fully adhered to. Incidents involving lithium-ion batteries are taken seriously due to their potential to escalate rapidly if not managed correctly.
The event caused temporary disruptions to operations at Chandigarh Airport, though normal flight schedules resumed by early evening.
