Short answer: Yes. You can take a drone on a domestic flight in India, in checked or cabin baggage depending on the airline. Its lithium batteries must always travel in your cabin bag: never in checked baggage, and not in the overhead bin. Batteries up to 100 Wh are allowed; 100–160 Wh need airline approval (usually a maximum of two spares); anything over 160 Wh cannot travel with you. Tell your airline (for example IndiGo) before you fly.
Last updated: 17 October 2026. First published in October 2021, when the aviation ministry first clarified the rules; updated for the 2025–26 DGCA advisories on lithium batteries.
Key takeaways
- The drone itself can go in checked baggage with the batteries removed, or in the cabin if your airline allows it.
- Lithium batteries and power banks go in hand baggage only. DGCA's November 2025 advisory confirmed this.
- Since January 2026, DGCA does not allow batteries and power banks in overhead bins, or power banks to charge devices during the flight.
- Up to 100 Wh per battery: allowed. 100–160 Wh: airline approval, usually a maximum of two spares. Over 160 Wh: not allowed with passengers.
- Batteries for consumer DJI drones (Mini, Neo, Flip, Lito, Air and Avata) are all under 100 Wh. Check the Wh rating printed on the label.
Can the drone go in checked baggage?
Usually, yes, as long as the batteries are taken out. In 2021 the Ministry of Civil Aviation said there is no regulatory ban on carrying drones as checked or cabin baggage, and that it comes down to each airline's policy. At the time, an IndiGo spokesperson said drones can be carried in check-in luggage but batteries cannot. Small drones under 250 g often fit in a cabin bag, but some airlines prefer them checked, so ask your airline before you pack.
Where do the batteries go?
Always in your hand baggage, because a lithium fire in the hold is hard to detect and put out. Security screening picks up lithium batteries in checked bags, and the bag can be offloaded. Under DGCA's current advisories:
- Spare lithium batteries and power banks are allowed in hand baggage only.
- They must not go in overhead bins. Keep them in the bag under the seat in front of you, or on your person, where the crew can deal with any problem quickly.
- You cannot use a power bank to charge a phone or other device during the flight.
How many drone batteries can I carry?
| Battery rating | Rule |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh | Allowed in hand baggage. Airlines may set a reasonable limit on numbers. |
| 100–160 Wh | Airline approval needed; usually a maximum of two spare batteries. |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed as passenger baggage. Large drone batteries must go as cargo. |
These limits follow the ICAO dangerous-goods rules that Indian airlines apply. Your airline can be stricter, so check its conditions of carriage before you fly.
How to pack a drone for a flight
- Remove the batteries from the drone and the controller if it uses a removable pack.
- Protect the battery terminals: use the original covers, a battery bag or a separate pouch for each battery, so they cannot short-circuit.
- Carry batteries partly charged rather than full. DJI Intelligent Flight Batteries discharge themselves to a storage level if left unused.
- Keep the Wh rating visible. Security staff may ask to see it.
- Carry your GST invoice and the drone's Digital Sky (eGCA) registration in case airport security asks.
Flying at your destination
Taking a drone on a plane does not give you permission to fly it everywhere. In India, check the Digital Sky airspace map before every flight: airports, border areas and some government sites are no-fly zones. Read our DGCA drone rules guide for registration and licence rules. On international trips, the destination country's drone and battery rules also apply.
Sources: according to DGCA’s dangerous-goods advisories (November 2025 and January 2026) and the ICAO rules for lithium batteries carried by passengers. Airline conditions of carriage can be stricter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I carry a drone on a domestic flight in India?
Yes. The drone can usually travel in checked baggage with its batteries removed, or in your cabin bag if the airline allows. The batteries must go in your hand baggage. Tell your airline in advance, because each airline sets its own conditions.
What is IndiGo's drone policy?
IndiGo has said drones can be carried in check-in luggage, but batteries cannot and must go in hand luggage, with a limit of 160 Wh per lithium battery. Check IndiGo's current conditions of carriage before you travel, because airline policies change.
Can I put drone batteries in checked baggage?
No. Lithium drone batteries must travel in your hand baggage because of the fire risk, and security screening can offload a checked bag that contains them.
Can I keep drone batteries in the overhead bin?
No. Since January 2026, DGCA does not allow lithium batteries and power banks in overhead compartments. Keep them in the bag under your seat or on your person.
Can I take a DJI Mini or Neo in my cabin bag?
It depends on the airline. Some accept a sub-250 g drone in the cabin, others want the drone checked, but the batteries must always stay in your hand baggage. Ask your airline before you pack.
