DUBAI // All passengers have been banned from carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on any airline flying from Dubai airports.
The devices are banned from FlyDubai, Etihad Airways and Emirates, effective immediately.
Dubai Airports has advised passengers not to bring the devices to the airport as they will be confiscated before boarding.
“In light of advisories from various aviation regulatory bodies and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, passengers are advised that these devices are prohibited on all flights leaving Dubai International and DWC,” it said.
On Sunday, Etihad said guests could not carry the smartphones in their checked in baggage, cabin baggage, or on their person.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. However, the safety and security of our passengers and staff is of the utmost importance,” the airline said on Twitter.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, Abu Dhabi Airports said it advised passengers to check with their airline to see if they could carry their Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.
Last month, the General Civil Aviation Authority banned the use of the devices aboard all flights operated by national airlines due to concerns over faulty lithium batteries, the state news agency Wam reported.
More than 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 smartphones were recalled in October after unexplained fires and overheating problems.
The phone was discontinued last week just two months after its launch in August.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission said there were 96 reports of batteries in Note 7 phones overheating, including 23 new reports since the first recall.
The company received 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage associated with the phones.
“Consumers should immediately stop using and power down all Galaxy Note 7 devices, including Note 7 devices received as replacements in the previous recall,” the commission said.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
* With reporting from Associated Press
