Originally Posted by
oliver2002
Drones of all size / UAVs / RPAS (in switched-off condition and packed appropriately) are allowed in cabin and hold luggage as per BCAS:
https://bcasindia.gov.in/#/pages/per...ectronic-items
The bone of contention is
Lithium metal batteries (Watt-hour rating not exceeding 100 Wh and lithium metal content not exceeding 2 g) 2 spare/ loose batteries per person: those are not allowed in hold/checked luggage:
https://bcasindia.gov.in/#/pages/per...ous-substances
Indigo clearly points this out on their pages:
https://www.goindigo.in/baggage/dang...ds-policy.html (power bank: big red X)
The IATA DGR sheet attached to the web page is also pretty clear for devices with Li batteries:
My colleagues in India have a DJI Mavic Air and asked my to bring them some spare batteries in 2021. The CISF guys in BOM went nuts when they saw the 3 spare batteries in my cabin baggage. The fact that the packaging said 'drone' just added fuel to the fire. Fortunately I had the relevant BCAS documents/notifications on hand and argued my way out of the mess. Even though nothing was taken away the incident was duly recorded in a register and both the supervisor and I had to sign the ledger. This year I saw in DEL & BLR that any discussion/discovery was registered electronically (china style) by the CISF crew. I seriously doubt the drone was stolen. Its probably lying on some shelf with a tag.
Thanks, and I appreciate the detailed info. I'm well aware of the general BCAS and IATA regulations now — but here's the issue:
At no point before, during, or after my journey was I informed by IndiGo or airport security that my drone or power bank were removed or held. No documentation, no notification, nothing.
My drone was packed according to IATA guidelines (battery disconnected, drone powered off), and my power bank was not oversized. If CISF seized it, there should be a record. If it was removed for safety, I should have been informed.
If it's "probably lying on some shelf," as you say, someone from IndiGo should’ve already tracked it down — especially after six weeks of chasing them.