Several airlines across the world have tightened rules against Samsung Galaxy Note 7 after instances of the smartphone exploding or catching fire sent aviation regulators in a tizzy. The South Korean conglomerate last week announced it was permanently stopping the production of the flagship phone following complaints.
Singapore Airlines, Air Berlin and Lufthansa are the latest carriers to join the brigade to impose a ban on Note 7. Lufthansa has banned the devices only on flights to the U.S. However, the company is planning to prohibit the phones on all its flights. Budget airliner AirAsia has also brought in the ban.
On Friday, U.S. Department of Transportation along with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced a ban on Note 7 devices from all flights in the U.S. It also warned that violation of the ban would attract criminal prosecution and fines.
“We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” Transportation SecretaryAnthony Foxx said. “We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.”
Following are the major airlines that have imposed a ban on Note 7:
All airlines in Japan: The East Asian nation’s transport ministry announced a ban on Note 7 citing fire risk. The ministry had earlier asked airlines to urge passengers to avoid charging the phones on the aircraft.
Emirates: The Dubai-based airline brought in a complete ban on the smartphone in September due to safety concerns.
Etihad Airways: The airliner announced the Note 7 ban in series of tweets.
Cathay Pacific and Dragonair: The flag carrier of Hong Kong prohibited Note 7 on person, carry-on baggage or checked-in baggage.
Virgin Australia: “The use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices is currently prohibited on all Virgin Australia and Tigerair Australia flights and the complete ban announced today is an additional safety measure,” the airliner said.
Qantas Airlines: Qantas Airlines has completely banned Note 7 from its aircraft.
Air Berlin: The German carrier banned Note 7 mobile phones from all its flights.
Last Wednesday, Samsung said it was bringing down its third-quarter profit forecast by a third due to the Note 7 fiasco. The company is estimated to bear a total loss of roughly $5.3 billion.
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