CAAP bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 at airports, flights

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued a memorandum order prohibiting Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in airport premises and on board the aircraft and cargo flights.

"Pursuant to the powers vested on the director general of the CAAP under RA 9497 otherwise known as the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippine Act of 2008 and in the interest of aviation safety, all carriage of Samsung galaxy Note 7 devices are forbidden in airport premises, on board the aircraft and cargo flights," the CAAP's Memorandum Circular 34-16 read.

The said memorandum, issued on October 13, applies to all Philippine carriers under CAAP's watch.

"All operators are hereby advised to strictly implement this memorandum circular," it said.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific already advised its passengers about the ban of the troubled smartphone device on all its flights beginning October 18.

The prohibition of the device is in light of the recent development involving Samsung Electronics global voluntary replacement program of all old Galaxy Note 7 purchased before September 15 with new ones which may be distinguished by the green battery icon found on the notification area, power off screen, and always on display.

"However, similar incidents of exploding and catching fire had also reported on replacement devices," CAAP said.

Earlier in October, Samsung stopped the sale and production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and ordered a recall on both the old and replacement devices after failing to resolve safety concerns.

The phone manufacturer has recalled 2.5 million Note 7s due to numerous reports of the phones catching fire.

Likewise, the US Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration earlier issued an emergency order banning all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States. —NB, GMA News