US warns against using Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on planes

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 2: A man holds a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 during a launch event for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 at the Hammerstein Ballroom, August 2, 2016 in New York City. The stylus equipped smartphone will be available starting August 19, with preorders starting August 3.   Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP
NEW YORK, NY –  A man holds a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 during a launch event for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 at the Hammerstein Ballroom, August 2, 2016 in New York City. The stylus equipped smartphone will be available starting August 19, with preorders starting August 3. Drew Angerer/Getty Images/AFP

 

WASHINGTON, United States  (AFP) — The US Federal Aviation Administration strongly urged passengers Thursday not to turn on or charge Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on aircraft following recent reports of explosions from faulty batteries.

The South Korean smartphone maker last week suspended sales of the “phablet” and recalled 2.5 million units following the reports.

“In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage,” the FAA said in a statement.

Qantas and Virgin Australia also told customers Thursday not to use or charge the devices on their planes.

Samsung is the world’s top smartphone maker, outpacing its American rival Apple.

 

© 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse