Airlines might soon be banned from transporting shipments of rechargeable batteries

Following a number of bans from airlines around the world over the potential fire-hazard of taking ‘hoverboards’ on planes, the UN is recommending that shipments of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are barred from being allowed to be put in a luggage hold on a flight.

The organization says that the potential for a chain-reaction fire to break out from just one malfunctioning lithium-ion battery means that batches shouldn’t be allowed into the hold on passenger flights. Its recommendations wouldn’t cover cargo planes, however, according to The Guardian.

If the UN was to adopt such a ban, it’s unlikely to have much of a direct affect on passenger travel. However, if the safety of lithium-ion batteries embedded in devices (like phones and laptops) are called into question, it’s likely to play out as impractical for many people.

The International Civilian Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is meeting next month to make a final decision on whether the proposal should be put into practice.

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➤ UN panel backs banning lithium-ion battery shipments on passenger planes [The Guardian]