Lithium-ion battery shipments will no longer be allowed on passenger planes as the International Civil Aciation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations Specialized Agency, has decided to prohibit it.
Starting on the 1st of April, all shipments of Lithium-ion batteries will no longer be allowed on commercial flights. This decision is expect to last until the ICAO and its partners can implement new, fire-resistant packaging standards for lithium batteries. Currently, this new packaging is expected to roll out by 2018.
“Safety is always our most fundamental priority in international civil aviation. This interim prohibition will continue to be in force as seperate work continues through ICAO on a new lithium battery packaging performance standard, currently expected by 2018,” says Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, ICAO Council Persident.
The decision to ban lithium-ion battery shipments on passenger planes is due to the fact that lithium-ion batteries may expand and combust as the battery decays.
If you’re worried that this ruling would affect your carry on device, don’t be. The decision bans only lithium-ion shipments in the cargo area, this means that you’ll still be able to carry your smart devices on board.
