Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has implemented a total ban of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on all flights to and from the city, according to an announcement appearing on its website. The ban was put into effect on Saturday and follows an announcement by the United States Department of Transportation (DoT) banning the handset on all US flights.
“With immediate effect, passengers who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device are requested not to transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to and from Hong Kong. This applies to all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices,” the announcement read.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been plagued by issues of safety after it emerged the device was prone to overheating and in some cases catching fire. The South Korean technology firm has since ceased production of the device, after it emerged that replacement units were still suffering from the issue. Approximately 100 incidents involving the problem have so far been reported.
The ban announced by HKIA coincided with similar announcements by HK Express, Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines, which also initiated a total ban. This marks a shift in policy concerning the handset, which previously was limited to advising passengers against using, charging and powering up the device on flights.
Etihad has also followed suit, stating: “Etihad Airways is enforcing a total ban [of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices] on board its aircraft, as some phones have been installed with faulty lithium batteries, which present a risk of combustion and fire. Guests must not carry these smartphones in their checked-in baggage, in cabin baggage, or on their person.”
