Emirates, Etihad ban Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones

Etihad Airways is "enforcing" a total ban on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones in the wake of their global recall, the airline said on Sunday.

In a series of Tweets, Etihad noted that "some Galaxy Note 7 phones have been installed with faulty lithium batteries, which present a risk of combustion and fire".
Also read: Air Berlin, Luftansa ban Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on flights

"Guests must not carry Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones in their checked-in baggage, in cabin baggage, or on their person," the airline said. "We apologise for the inconvenience caused. However, the safety and security or our passengers and staff is of the utmost importance."

Emirates, for its part, said it was taking similar steps.

"As advised by various aviation regulatory bodies, Emirates can confirm that all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are prohibited from all Emirates' flights, including being brought on board in person, as well as in carry-on or checked-in baggage, with immediate effect," an Emirates spokesperson told Khaleej Times.
Also read: UAE Galaxy Note 7 users can opt for refund or S7 Edge

International airlines -- such as Qantas and Virgin Australia -- have also announced that they will be enforcing a total ban on Galaxy Note 7s. Additionally, on Friday the US Department of Transportation issued an emergency order to ban the phone on all flights coming into and out of the US.

Samsung -- which is the world's largest maker of smartphones -- has halted production of its latest mobile device and recalled all Note 7 phones and replacements because of ongoing reports of exploding batteries and resultant fires. The crisis is expected to cost the South Korean company billions of dollars worth of profit.
All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices are also prohibited on all Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights with immediate effect.

Such devices are not allowed to be transported on the passenger's person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on all of their flights.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com 

A Staff Reporter

Got an interesting story to tell in the UAE? We want to hear all about it. Write to the nation's best reporting team, as we cover the emirates like no one else.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com