Li-ion batteries will set the cargo pilots on fire... Curt Lewis

Lithium-ion batteries banned as cargo on passenger flights

Fire risk concerns of pilots and planemakers lead International Civil Aviation Authority to impose restriction until safer packaging becomes available

Shipments of lithium-ion batteries pose a safety risk on passenger flights, according to pilots and aircraft manufacturers.

The UN aviation agency has prohibited cargo shipments of lithium-ion batteries on passenger aircraft over concerns by pilots and plane makers that they are a fire risk.

The International Civil Aviation Organization's 36-state governing council said the prohibition would be in effect as of 1 April and remain in force until a new fire-resistant packaging standard was designed to transport the batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries, which are rechargeable, can still be transported on cargo planes.