IndiGo’s Dimapur flight returns to bay as power bank catches fire at Delhi airport

IndiGo aircraft delayed at Delhi airport after power bank catches fire onboard

A minor fire broke out onboard IndiGo flight 6E 2107 from Delhi to Dimapur on Sunday after a passenger’s power bank caught fire inside the seat-back pocket, prompting the aircraft to return to the bay at Delhi airport.

The airline said the crew acted swiftly to contain the situation. “The crew managed the situation quickly and diligently following the Standard Operating Procedure, and the incident was controlled within seconds,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.

“As per the set protocol, relevant authorities were informed immediately. There are no injuries reported. All passengers and crew onboard are safe,” the spokesperson added.

After necessary checks, the aircraft was cleared for operations. IndiGo said it made efforts to ensure passenger comfort during the brief delay.

“We thank our valued customers for remaining calm and cooperative during this incident. Our teams made all possible efforts to minimise inconvenience to passengers, including offering them refreshments. The safety of our customers, crew, and aircraft remains our utmost priority,” the spokesperson said.

According to flight tracking website Flightradar24.com, IndiGo flight 6E 2107, operated with an Airbus A320neo, took off from Delhi airport at 2:33 pm and landed in Dimapur, Nagaland, at 4:45 pm. The flight was earlier scheduled to depart at 12:25 pm.

Earlier this week, a similar incident was reported on board an Air China flight when a lithium battery caught fire inside the cabin. An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul was forced to make an emergency landing in Shanghai after the fire broke out, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.

In a statement posted on social media, Air China confirmed the incident, saying, “On October 18, on flight CA139 from Hangzhou to Incheon, a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on luggage stored in the overhead compartment spontaneously ignited.”

The airline said the crew acted swiftly to control the situation and that no one was injured. “To ensure flight safety,” Air China added, “the plane had to make an unscheduled landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.”