Chandigarh, May 6 - A tense situation unfolded at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Chandigarh on May 5, 2026, when a power bank explosion on an IndiGo flight triggered an immediate emergency evacuation. The incident involved IndiGo flight 6E 108, operating from Hyderabad to Chandigarh, which had landed safely around 3:30 PM. While the Airbus aircraft was stationary after landing and passengers were preparing to disembark, smoke suddenly filled the cabin from a passenger's personal electronic device stored in a seat pocket. Quick action by the cabin crew prevented any escalation, but the event highlighted critical concerns around lithium-ion battery safety in air travel. Passengers reported panic as visible flames and thick smoke prompted the deployment of emergency slides for a full evacuation.
Big Breaking: Panic broke out at Mohali's (Chandigarh) Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport on Tuesday around 3:30 PM when a passenger’s power bank exploded on #IndiGo flight 6E108 after landing from #Hyderabad... Smoke filled the plane and people got scared... Five… pic.twitter.com/uFaU4hKyeh
— Rhythm Acharya (@Rhyacharya) May 5, 2026
The power bank, belonging to a passenger seated in row 39C, reportedly caught fire and exploded, releasing smoke that rapidly spread through the cabin. Crew members swiftly used fire extinguishers to contain the blaze while coordinating with ground staff. All 198 passengers, including infants, along with six crew members, were evacuated efficiently via inflatable emergency slides. Airport emergency services responded promptly, ensuring no major structural damage to the aircraft or widespread injuries. Some passengers sustained minor injuries during the hurried evacuation, such as ankle fractures from the slides, with reports indicating five to six individuals received medical attention at nearby hospitals. Authorities transferred everyone to the terminal for refreshments, medical checks, and support, demonstrating the effectiveness of IndiGo's safety protocols in a real-world scenario.
This Chandigarh Airport emergency evacuation underscores ongoing aviation safety challenges related to power banks and lithium batteries. IndiGo issued a statement confirming the incident on the stationary flight and noted that the aircraft would undergo thorough technical inspections before resuming operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and review compliance with battery carriage guidelines. Regulations strictly mandate that power banks must be carried only in hand luggage, not in checked baggage, and should not be used or charged during flights to mitigate fire risks. Such incidents serve as important reminders for travelers about responsible packing and the potential hazards of overheated devices in pressurized cabin environments.
In the aftermath of the IndiGo flight power bank fire at Chandigarh, industry experts emphasize enhanced passenger awareness and stricter screening for electronic devices. No serious harm occurred thanks to the professional response, but the event has renewed discussions on flight safety standards across Indian airports. Travelers are advised to follow airline guidelines on lithium batteries to avoid similar disruptions. Chandigarh Airport authorities managed the situation smoothly, restoring normal operations quickly while prioritizing passenger well-being. This incident reinforces the aviation sector's commitment to safety amid growing air traffic in India.
