UAE bans use of Galaxy Note 7 on flights

The UAE’s national airlines have told passengers not to use or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on flights, according to local media.

This follows the statement on Saturday by Saif Mohammad Al Suwaidi, director-general, General Civil Aviation Authority, banning the use of the mobile phone on board, including carrying it in checked baggage.

Etihad, Emirates and Flydubai have issued statements confirming the ban which they have conveyed to their passengers.

Since its launch in August, 2.5 million Note 7 phones have been sold across the world. The South Korean company is recalling Galaxy Note 7 globally after there were 35 incidents when the Note 7 devices caught fire with the phones’ batteries combusting during charging as well as normal use – most of it in the US and South Korea and once case in Taiwan.

Consumers have been advised to stop using Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones, and top airlines have globally banned their use during flights.

Exchange program

In the Gulf, Samsung announced an exchange program Galaxy Note7 owners. For customers, who have the Galaxy Note 7 device, Samsung is voluntarily exchanging their current device to a new Galaxy Note 7 over the coming weeks till December 31, 2016. Until the new Galaxy Note 7 stock arrives, a loan device will be provided as an option.

Samsung has also stopped sales of the device.

The statement said while there have been only a small number of reported incidents, the company is “taking great care to provide customers with the support they need through the Galaxy Note 7 exchange program. And, because customers’ safety is an absolute priority, Samsung has stopped sales of the Galaxy Note 7.”

Ismail Yoon, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics, said: “Samsung is taking a proactive approach to address customer needs around the Note7."

“We are encouraging customers to replace their Note7 by taking advantage of our product replacement Program. The safety and satisfaction of our customers is Samsung's top priority.”