AirAsia bans use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on flights

Another airline has banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on any of its flights until further notice, due to safety concerns over the gadget's fire-prone battery.

"Following the recall of the Galaxy Note 7 mobile device by Samsung due to safety concerns over its battery, AirAsia and AirAsia X would like to inform all guests that the usage and charging of the device onboard all our flights are prohibited with immediate effect until further notice," the budget airline said in an advisory.

Earlier this month, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. ordered the recall of all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, as the gadget was found to have "fire-prone" batteries.

The company has sold some 2.5 million units of Galaxy Note 7. It plans to replace all the units so far released – those already sold and those in store inventories, as well as the units in transit.

"All guests traveling on AirAsia and AirAsia X, who own the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device, must turn it off until disembarkation from the aircraft. The device must not be kept in any checked baggage as well," the airline said.

Cebu Pacific also banned the use of the gadget on all flights.

Last week, Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. said it will replace faulty units sold to customers. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas