National carrier Maldivian has banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on its flights, over concerns that faulty devices may cause fire hazards.
According to an official from the airline’s operator Island Aviation, Maldivian has issued a travel advisory to raise public awareness on the matter. The official explained that passengers cannot use or charge the Note 7, however they can keep the devices turned off inside the cabin baggage.
Samsung has recalled 2.5 million phones worldwide due to a battery defect. It was revealed that the devices with faulty batteries could explode and catch fire when plugged in to charge. The company has already reported dozens of similar cases.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which issued a statement banning the devices on flights, warned that fires caused by the type of batteries found in cellphones can be hard to extinguish aboard planes.
Several major airlines worldwide have already taken heed of the warning, and are enforcing the ban.
Meanwhile, Telecommunications giant Dhiraagu has decided to provide refunds for customers who pre-ordered the device.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was launched on August 19, 2016 in New York, USA.