FAA Issues Safety Alert on Lithium Batteries in Cargo Shipments

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a safety alert for operators (SAFO) ahead of the holiday season, warning airlines to review their safety procedures due to an anticipated rise in cargo shipments containing lithium batteries. The FAA cautions that electronics powered by lithium batteries pose risks of odor, smoke, fire, or fumes, which could threaten the safety of flights if not handled properly.

Lithium batteries can act as an ignition source, and multiple shipments of such hazardous materials may exceed an aircraft’s fire protection capabilities. The FAA urged operators to ensure compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) for hazardous materials and to review their safety protocols to mitigate risks during the busy holiday period.

Airlines are advised to reassess their Safety Risk Assessments (SRA) to ensure flight crews are well-prepared for incidents involving smoke or fumes. The FAA also emphasized that existing international standards should be considered when reviewing the adequacy of fire protection systems.

This alert comes as the FAA continues to address cabin air quality concerns, although the regulator recently declined a petition from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA to mandate more detailed reporting of smoke or fume events.