Prohibited items
Tools — Air Travel Rules in India
Last updated: 6 Jul 2026Reviewed by Ms. Rubab Nizami, Lead AVSEC Faculty
In short
Tools that could be used as a weapon — long, heavy or with a sharp edge — are not allowed in cabin baggage and must go in checked baggage. Small tools may be permitted; check with your airline.
- Cabin baggage
- Long/heavy tools not allowed in cabin
- Checked baggage
- Allowed in checked baggage
What counts as tools?
Common examples of tools include Hammers, Drills, Wrenches over ~10cm, Crowbars, Saws. All of them are treated the same way at Indian airport security, so the rule below applies to every item in this group.
Can tools go in checked baggage?
In checked baggage: allowed in checked baggage. Tools that could be used as a weapon — long, heavy or with a sharp edge — are not allowed in cabin baggage and must go in checked baggage. Small tools may be permitted; check with your airline. If in doubt, pack the item in checked baggage or leave it at home rather than risk it being confiscated at the checkpoint.