US OFFICIALS HAVE banned all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from airplanes, saying anyone attempting to travel with the recalled handsets may face fines and have the devices confiscated.

The South Korean electronics giant has recalled all Note 7 phones, including replacements, following reports of exploding batteries and fires, which have led to numerous injuries.

Samsung has also stopped producing the flagship handset.

However, it remains unclear how many consumers have continued using the phones despite the recall and warnings from safety officials to stop using them.

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said an emergency order banning the devices would take effect at 1600 GMT (5pm Irish time) today.

Aer Lingus issued the following advisory on the development to passengers via its website:

“We have been advised that the US Department of Transportation has issued an emergency order banning all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States and Canada.

“Guests who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device MAY NOT transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.

“This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices.

The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo.

Foxx, the US Transportation Secretary, said in his statement:

“We recognise that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority.

We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.

Samsung this week released a statement with advice for Irish customers who might be worried about safety issues surrounding the Note 7.

Meanwhile the Irish Aviation Authority on Wednesday issued its own advice on the issue.

Samsung has told customers to stop using the smartphone.

- with reporting from AFP

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