SAA bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from flights

South African Airways passengers will from today not be allowed to board with a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

In accordance with the International Air Transport Association’s safety provisions, the airline announced yesterday (Tuesday) that the decision has been taken based on safety considerations in the interests of passengers, crew and property.

Samsung announced a recall of the smartphone last month after a number of incidents where a battery defect caused overheating that resulted in fires and explosions.

Most international airlines have already prohibited the Note 7; the US Transportation Department and Singapore Airlines have already prohibited the device.