Passengers are being cautioned about a specific fruit that is strictly forbidden on airplanes. The fruit is banned from being packed in luggage due to its potential to 'spontaneously combust'. The International Air Transport Association's Dangerous Goods Register (IATA) latest list of prohibited items for flights includes one particular food item.
It might be surprising, but coconuts can pose a major safety risk. While travellers are allowed to pack whole coconuts in both their hand luggage and hold luggage, the dried coconut meat inside, known as copra, is problematic. Coconut meat is rich in oil, making it highly flammable and a potential fire hazard.
As a result, most airlines have banned it due to the fire risk it poses. It is not permitted in either carry-on or checked baggage. The only exception to this rule applies to retail-packaged coconut products.
The IATA classifies dried coconut as a Class 4 Dangerous Good, marking it as a flammable solid. Copra is classified as prone to spontaneous heating under normal conditions encountered during air transport. Dried coconut is so flammable that it shares company with items like matches, firelighters, metal powders and sodium batteries on IATA's Dangerous Goods list.
According to a statement found on the official IATA website: "IATA works closely with local governments and ICAO in the development of regulations. This way, we ensure that the rules and guidelines on dangerous goods transport are effective and operational practic.
