IndiGo Flight 6E108 Faces Dramatic Emergency After Power Bank Ignites During Taxi

A domestic flight mishap unfolded on May 5, 2026, as IndiGo flight 6E108, traveling from Hyderabad to Chandigarh, encountered a serious emergency after a passenger’s power bank ignited during taxi. The incident, which created a tense atmosphere onboard, led to a swift evacuation of nearly 200 passengers and crew once the aircraft landed at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport.

The Airbus A321neo was in the process of taxiing toward Bay 1 when smoke swiftly filled the cabin. Reports indicate that the power bank, belonging to a passenger seated in row 39, caught fire while being used to charge a mobile device. This unexpected ignition provoked immediate fears as cabin crew responded fervently to the developing crisis.

Crew Jumps Into Action as Smoke Starts Filling Cabin

As thick smoke began to invade the aircraft, flight attendants sprang into action, utilizing onboard fire extinguishers in an attempt to control the flames. Despite their quick response, the severity of the smoke increased, compelling the cockpit crew to declare a state of emergency.

At 4:25 PM, the captain of the flight activated the full evacuation procedure. Emergency slides were deployed from multiple exits, and passengers were swiftly instructed to exit the aircraft. The urgency of the situation added to the tension as airport emergency teams, including fire services, Central Industrial Security Force personnel, and Indian Air Force firefighters, arrived promptly to manage the situation.

Thanks to the rapid actions of the cabin crew and emergency responders, the fire was contained effectively, preventing any serious escalation.

Quick Evacuation Saves Nearly 200 Lives, Injuries Reported

Flight 6E108 was carrying a total of 198 passengers, including two infants, along with six crew members. Thankfully, all were evacuated successfully from the aircraft. However, the urgency of the evacuation resulted in several injuries, with at least six passengers suffering minor injuries while escaping. One individual suffered a leg fracture after slipping on the slides, while others experienced bruises and abrasions.

Medical teams at the airport provided immediate assistance to the injured before transferring some for further care. The rest of the evacuated passengers were guided into terminal facilities, where refreshments and care were arranged by airport officials.

Despite the chaos, there were no fatalities or severe burn injuries reported, a testament to the efficient emergency protocols in place.

Investigation Launched into Lithium-Ion Battery Incident

In the aftermath, the Airbus A321neo was removed from service for a thorough inspection and necessary cleaning. The cabin required mandatory checks for smoke contamination and residue from fire suppression efforts before being cleared for future operations.

This upheaval caused a ripple effect, leading to the cancellation of IndiGo’s subsequent flight, 6E429, from Chandigarh to Bengaluru, necessitating the arrangement of a replacement aircraft. The substitute flight was eventually able to depart following operational adjustments.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the occurrence, assessing whether the incident highlighted a breach of updated aviation safety protocols related to lithium-ion battery handling.

Growing Concerns Over Lithium-Ion Battery Regulations

This incident reinforces concerns about lithium-ion battery safety, which has become a pressing issue in commercial aviation. Power banks and portable chargers pose significant risks when improperly handled, potentially igniting fires if damaged or overheated.

New guidelines issued in early 2026 emphasized that passengers are prohibited from charging devices using power banks during critical flight phases, including takeoff and landing. Moreover, power banks must remain in visible and accessible locations in cabin baggage.

The DGCA urges stringent awareness among travelers, highlighting that lithium battery incidents can escalate quickly, jeopardizing safety and visibility in the cabin.

Travel Advisory for Travelers with Lithium Electric Devices

Aviation authorities are issuing advisories to travelers at major Indian airports regarding the handling of lithium battery devices. Key reminders include:

• Power banks should only be stored in hand baggage.
• Charging devices during takeoff and landing is not allowed.
• Report any damaged or overheating batteries to cabin crew immediately.
• Keep lithium battery devices visible and accessible throughout the flight.

Global aviation bodies are actively monitoring this ongoing safety concern, emphasizing that lithium-ion battery fires represent one of the top hazards facing today’s airlines.

Reflecting on Aviation Safety Challenges in India

The dramatic emergency experienced on IndiGo flight 6E108 serves as a reminder of the growing safety challenges associated with modern passenger electronics in aviation. While the swift response from crew and emergency personnel averted a larger disaster, it highlights the potential for even the most routine flights to become critical emergencies.

With the growing influx of air traffic in India and increasing reliance on electronic devices, travelers and aviation authorities alike can expect heightened scrutiny and enforcement of battery safety regulations across the nation.

Source: The post IndiGo Flight 6E108 From Hyderabad to Chandigarh Goes Into Full Emergency Mode After Power Bank Ignites Mid-Taxi, Passengers Evacuated in Dramatic Fashion first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.