Vietnam bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on airlines, follows global trend

On September 8, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FFA) warned travelers against using or charging the latest edition of Samsung’s flagship handset while on board, as well as putting them among checked baggage.

The move comes shortly after the South Korean smartphone maker announced a global recall of all Note 7’s, following reports of the devices exploding during or after charging.

In a fiat released on Saturday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) demanded that local airlines “ask passengers not to stow their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in checked baggage,” and “reject requests to let passengers use the in-flight charge service,” citing the FAA’s recommendations.

The CAAV said the ban on the use and charging of the latest Galaxy Note is to ensure safety for both passengers and planes, adding that the directive “remains in effect until the next decision.”

Vietnam has joined multiple countries, including Australia, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates, in banning the Galaxy Note 7 on board.

In the meantime, the world’s largest smartphone maker is urging consumers worldwide to stop using Galaxy Note 7's and exchange them as soon as possible.

“We are advising that you power down your Note 7 and exchange it now… because your safety is our top priority,” the company said on its website on Saturday.

Earlier this month, only two weeks after the Galaxy Note 7’s launch, Samsung announced an unprecedented recall of 2.5 million of the phablets worldwide, following reports that the rechargeable lithium batteries manufactured by one of its suppliers were faulty.