Lithium-ion batteries barred in passenger planes

Lithium metal batteries, which are used in watches, have already been banned on passenger planes globally. The International Civil Aviation Organization’s 36-state governing council said the prohibition would be in effect as of April 1, and would be maintained until a new fire-resistant packaging standard is designed to transport the batteries. 

Lithium-ion batteries can still be transported on cargo planes. The new packaging standard is expected by 2018, ICAO Council President Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu said in a statement.