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An IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on October 11, 2026, after smoke was detected from a passenger’s personal electronic device inside the aircraft. The incident prompted the crew to respond immediately, while the pilots diverted the flight in accordance with established safety procedures.
The flight, numbered 6E 6115, landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. The incident involved a device reportedly identified as a power bank stored in an overhead luggage compartment. The cabin crew acted promptly to bring the situation under control, and no injuries were reported.
Crew Responds to Onboard Smoke
According to IndiGo, smoke was detected from a passenger’s personal electronic device while the aircraft was operating its Delhi–Chennai service. The crew responded to the situation, and the pilots decided to divert the aircraft to Hyderabad rather than continue towards its scheduled destination.
In its official statement, IndiGo said :
“The cabin crew responded promptly and the situation was brought under control.” The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in line with established safety protocols.
The diversion disrupted the flight’s original schedule, but the airline made arrangements to help passengers continue their journey. An alternative aircraft was arranged for the onward trip to Chennai. IndiGo also apologised for the inconvenience caused and said it was providing refreshments and updates to affected passengers.
Power Bank Safety Remains an Aviation Concern
Power banks commonly use lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat and enter thermal runaway under certain conditions. This process can cause a battery to release intense heat, smoke and flames, making such incidents particularly concerning inside an aircraft cabin.
Airlines have established procedures for dealing with smoke and fire involving electronic devices. Cabin crew members receive safety training to respond to onboard emergencies, while pilots assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
Passengers are advised to follow airline instructions when carrying portable batteries and electronic devices. Power banks and spare lithium batteries should generally be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage, subject to the airline’s applicable rules. Passengers should also follow restrictions on using or charging power banks during flights.
Any unusual heat, swelling, smoke or burning smell from an electronic device should be reported to cabin crew immediately. Passengers should not attempt to handle a smoking or burning battery without following crew instructions.
What the Incident Means for Air Travel
The incident highlights the importance of onboard emergency preparedness and the need for passengers to understand battery-safety precautions before travelling. Even a small personal electronic device can create a serious safety concern if its battery malfunctions in a confined cabin.
For airlines, prompt detection, trained crew responses and adherence to safety procedures remain essential to managing unexpected situations. For passengers, following baggage rules and crew instructions can help reduce preventable risks.
The aircraft’s safe landing in Hyderabad and the arrangement of an alternative flight allowed passengers to continue towards Chennai after the disruption. The incident also serves as a reminder that portable electronic devices require careful handling throughout air travel.
