WASHINGTON – US officials have banned all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smart phones from airplanes after numerous reports of the devices catching fire, saying anyone attempting to travel with the recalled handsets may face fines and have the devices confiscated.
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS) scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone on Tuesday because of incidents where the phones began smoking or caught fire, dealing a huge blow to its reputation. The decision to scrap the Note 7 came after reports of fires in replacement devices prompted a new round of warnings from regulators, phone carriers and airlines.
US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said an emergency order banning the devices would take effect at 1600 GMT Saturday.
Passengers will be barred from carrying the Note 7 on planes, in hand luggage or in checked baggage on domestic flights and international flights to or from the United States, the agency said.
“We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will be an inconvenience for some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” Foxx said in a statement.
