Airlines ban in-flight Note7 use after global recall

Multiple airlines have banned the use of Samsung’s Galaxy Note7 smartphones while onboard after the company issued a global recall of the devices due to reports of exploding batteries.

Thai Airways is among the latest airline to ban the use of the smartphone online, as well as storing the device in checked baggage.

Other major airlines including Singapore Airlines, Australia’s Qantas and the UAE’s Etihad have already issued bans. Aviation authorities in Europe, the US and Japan have also issued safety warnings.

Samsung has meanwhile urged all users of Note7 smartphones subject to the global recall to turn in their devices as soon as possible for replacement

The company issued a global recall for the devices last week following reports of faulty batteries overheating or even catching fire. The company said that prior to the recall there had been 35 reported cases of malfunctions globally.

Samsung Electronics Australia announced that replacement stock will be available to local customers from September 21, and the company will resume selling the devices in the market in early October.