An IndiGo flight operating from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on Sunday after smoke was detected from a customer’s personal electronic device, the airline said in a statement.
“IndiGo flight 6E 6115, operating from Delhi to Chennai on October 11, 2026, was diverted to Hyderabad after smoke was detected from a customer’s personal electronic device," IndiGo said, adding that the situation was brought under control after the cabin crew acted promptly.
The flight landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad where arrangements are being made for an alternate aircraft to continue the journey to Chennai.
“We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers due to this unforeseen situation and making all efforts to minimise it including offering refreshments and sharing timely updates,” IndiGo statement further read.
{{/usCountry}}“We regret the inconvenience caused to our customers due to this unforeseen situation and making all efforts to minimise it including offering refreshments and sharing timely updates,” IndiGo statement further read.
{{/usCountry}}Visuals purportedly of the Delhi-Chennai flight shared on social media showed a minor fire and smoke emanating from the overhead bin of the plane. This triggered a panic-like situation as passengers got up from their seats, with some trying to remove their luggage away from the flames and smoke.
However, HT could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
Earlier in May, chaos erupted on a Hyderabad-Chandigarh flight after a suspected power bank explosion triggered fire aboard. The incident caused panic as smoke filled the cabin, leading to a full-scale emergency evacuation of over 200 passengers, including two infants, and six airline staff via inflatable slides.
While the plane was slowly taxiing, a personal electronic device, later identified as a power bank, belonging to a passenger caught fire, the airlines said.
“The device caught fire after landing, prompting an immediate evacuation in line with safety protocols. Cabin crew immediately used a fire extinguisher to contain the blaze but thick smoke spread through the cabin. All passengers were safely evacuated,” an IndiGo spokesperson said.
Airlines' policy on electronic devices
Airlines have strict advisory for electronic devices on flights. Power banks, batteries, etc are strictly not allowed in the check-in luggage as they pose fire risk due to their lithium ion batteries. Many airlines also prohibit use of a power bank to charge mobile phones, tablets, or any other device.
According to IndiGo guidelines, power banks "must remain within the passenger's personal reach at all times", such as under the seat, in the seat pocket, or carried on one's person.