News - ICAO Temporarily Bans Li-Ion Batteries

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) formally approved a temporary ban on the carriage of bulk shipments of lithium-ion batteries on passenger aircraft.

The measure takes effect on April 1, 2016 and does not include cells and batteries packed with or contained in equipment.

The move has left the industry divided as to the wisdom of the move. All parties acknowledge that there are safety concerns with Li-Ion batteries, but some believe that the new measures go to far and issues have been related to manufacturers and shippers not following the existing rules.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and other groups say that the measures are needed to gather more data and to develop appropriate mitigation and operational procedures and pratices. ICAO are reminding all that the measures are temporary until more research and study can be undertaken.