Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall Update: Smartphone Gets Banned on Australian Flights Due to Exploding Batteries

By Trisha Cerdena
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Federal Aviation Administration has banned the use of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on flights due to exploding batteries. Photo: XeeTechCare / YouTube

The current Samsung Galaxy Note 7 recall due to battery issues has brought on a number of concerns, and several Australian airlines have now banned the use of the device on board.

What could have been one of the most highly anticipated smartphone releases of 2016 has become a destructive concern, with the South Korean company having to take back the Galaxy Note 7 due to exploding batteries. Such recall is expected to bring on $1 billion worth of costs for Samsung.

Moreover, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reportedly considering the decision to prohibit the use of the Galaxy Note 7 on planes, although it has yet to become an official regulation.

Nonetheless, Australian airlines have already been quick in responding to the issue and decided to prevent the use of the exploding device on flights.

Three major Australian airlines, particularly Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, have already banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on their flights. Passengers are required to never turn on and/or charge the smartphone while inside the plane.

Therefore, while the use of the device has been banned, passengers can still bring their Galaxy Note 7 on their flights but are not allowed to use it, even when placed on airplane mode.

"Following Samsung Australia's recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 personal electronic device we are requesting that passengers who own them do not switch on or charge them in flight," a Qantas spokesman said to Reuters.

Customers are then looking forward to how such airline companies will deal with issues once Samsung is able to successfully address the concerns and allow the Galaxy Note 7 to return to the market. The modified units could have an identifying mark or note for them to be recognized as safe following this exploding battery flop.

After investigating the issues, Samsung found that the rechargeable batteries inside the Galaxy Note 7 devices were faulty.

In one case, a St. Petersburg family in Florida reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone that caught fire in a Jeep and eventually destroyed the vehicle after it was left charging.

According to Nathan Dornacher, his Galaxy Note 7 smartphone was being charged inside the SUV when it erupted into flames, which surrounded his vehicle. The incident occurred merely days after Samsung issued a statement stating that it will suspend the sales for Galaxy Note 7 due to exploding batteries while charging.

“Not the barbecue I wanted on my day off,” Dornacher stated in his Facebook post, posting images of his SUV caught on fire as well as burned pieces of the phone.

The Samsung Galaxy Note series has been one of the priciest lineups made available by the tech giant, with which the units resemble the features and designs found in the Galaxy S phone lineup that will soon be released.

An iris scanner was also incorporated to the Note 7, allowing the device to recognize patterns in users’ eyes as a means of unlocking the phone.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo