An IndiGo passenger aircraft travelling from New Delhi to Chennai, India, was forced to divert to Hyderabad after a passenger’s electronic device reportedly caught fire mid-air, triggering panic among passengers.
The incident occurred on Sunday, October 11, 2026, aboard Flight 6E 6115, an Airbus A321 carrying more than 180 passengers.
Dramatic footage circulating on social media showed flames coming from an overhead storage compartment as cabin crew members and passengers scrambled to contain the fire. Some passengers were heard screaming as others attempted to put out the flames.
The aircraft was diverted to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad as a precaution after smoke was detected coming from a passenger’s personal electronic device. Preliminary reports indicated that the device was a power bank.
In a statement, IndiGo confirmed that the flight was diverted in line with established safety procedures. The airline said its cabin crew responded promptly and brought the situation under control before the aircraft landed safely.
Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
IndiGo subsequently arranged an alternative aircraft to transport the affected passengers to Chennai, while the airline apologised for the inconvenience caused by the disruption.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in power banks and other portable electronic devices. Such batteries can overheat and catch fire when damaged or faulty, posing a serious risk aboard aircraft.
Aviation authorities and airlines have continued to emphasise the importance of complying with rules governing the carriage and use of portable batteries during flights.
