The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has announced a ban on electronic cigarettes being included in checked baggage, according to an ndtv.com story citing an Agence France Presse report.
The ban is said to have been announced in response to reports that electronic cigarettes have sparked fires in the cargo holds of aircrafts.
Airline passengers and crew are being encouraged instead to carry the devices in the cabin so that incidents can be dealt with immediately.
The ICAO, which is based in Montreal, works with 191 member states and airlines to develop international standards and safety regulations.
The amendment to those regulations that deals with electronic cigarettes prohibits also the recharging of electronic smoking devices in aircraft cabins.
“Several incidents have been reported involving e-cigarette heating elements being accidentally activated and resulting in fires in checked baggage,” said Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, the president of the ICAO Council.
Several airlines had already taken measures against electronic cigarettes after concerns were raised late last year, he added.