Three Australian airlines have banned passengers from using or charging Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 7 smartphones during flights due to concerns over the phone’s fire-prone batteries.
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Despite the recall, or perhaps because of it, the FAA told Gizmodo this week that it’s exploring the possibility of slapping a ban on the troubled Note 7 until it’s satisfied the battery issue has been fully resolved and the affected units taken out of circulation. “We have no immediate plan to take action and will continue to monitor the situation”.
As it pertains to Quantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, passengers can bring their Galaxy Note 7 handsets with them when boarding a flight, but they aren’t allowed to plug them into flight entertainment systems with USB ports.
The news comes amid reports that the batteries of some Note 7 devices have exploded, and that Samsung is investigating a potential recall of stock that has already been shipped around the world.
The FAA is reportedly working on guidance for airlines in the U.S. concerning the issue with the Galaxy Note 7 and fire risk.
The Korean tech giant is now working with its supplier partners and mobile operators to voluntarily replace every Galaxy Note 7 it has sold, some 2.5 million units worldwide.
“Following Samsung Australia’s recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 personal electronic device we are requesting that passengers who own them do not switch on or charge them in flight”, a Qantas spokesman said in a statement.
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The possible ban comes as other countries such as the United States are mulling a similar measure after a few Note phones caught fire while charging.
