India lifts in-flight curbs for new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smart phones
30 Sep 2016
India has lifted restrictions on use of Samsung Electronics Co`s Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones on all commercial airlines after the mobile phone maker recalled most of its smart phones worldwide and replaced them with those having improved batteries.
However, the relaxation in in-flight use will be limited to devices purchased after 15 September 2016, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated in a release.
The DGCA had, earlier this month, warned passengers and airlines against turning on or charging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones when they are on board or storing them in checked-in baggage.
The restrictions will continue to apply to phones purchased before 15 September this year, DGCA said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Samsung said it has not started selling Galaxy Note 7 phones in India as yet. A company release stated that it will only sell new devices in the country that will have a green battery icon to indicate it is safe to charge and use on a flight.
Samsung recalled its Note 7 phones across the globe this month after a faulty battery caused the devices to explode, when they were kept on charge or in normal use.
