Singapore Airlines bans Samsung Galaxy Note7 onboard, Qantas follows suit

The ban will be in effect from 12am on 16 October.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 starts smoking on board, prompting evacuation of US plane
Picture for representation Reuters

Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices have been banned onboard by Singapore Airlines (SIA), said officials on 15 October. In an official statement the airline also said that it will not allow passengers with the phone to board the plane.

The ban will be in effect from 12am on 16 October.

According to the Straits Times, SIA said in an advisory on Facebook that: "The Smartphone also cannot be shipped as air cargo. Anyone found in possession of the device will be denied boarding."

Channel News Asia reported that Qantas and its budget carrier Jetstar announced that they will also be enforcing the ban on Sunday.

"(The ban) is due to concerns regarding potential fire risk from the device's battery after a number of incidents worldwide and follows a ban put in place by regulators overseas," a Qantas and Jetstar statement said, as reported by the news agency.

"The ban applies to devices being carried onto the aircraft, in carry-on baggage as well as check-in luggage," they added.

Meanwhile, Samsung Singapore said that anyone who owns a Galaxy Note7 can obtain a courtesy device from the Samsung Customer Service Centre at Westgate or the Samsung Experience Store at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 prior to boarding the flight.

"We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused and are working hard to expedite the exchange/refund programme in Singapore," the statement said, as reported by Straits Times.

On 14 October, US officials banned the usage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in aeroplanes. The officials also said that fine will be imposed on passengers who will breach the rule.

On September 2016, Samsung recalled its Note7 devices all over the world and offered replacement sets after the batteries starting bursting. However, the replacement set's batteries also started catching fire. This prompted Samsung to end production of the phone, and offer a refund to all Note7 owners.

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