Qantas, Virgin Australia ground Samsung Note 7 after recall

Sydney: Australian carriers Qantas and Virgin Australia told customers on Thursday not to use or charge Samsung`s Galaxy Note 7 during flights after faulty batteries in the new smartphone caused some handsets to explode.

Samsung, the world`s largest smartphone maker, said last week it was suspending sales of its latest flagship mobile device and recalling 2.5 million units shipped globally following reports of exploding "phablets" that dealt a heavy blow to the firm`s reputation.

"Following Samsung Australia`s recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Personal Electronic Device (PED), we are requesting that passengers who own them do not switch on or charge them inflight," a Qantas spokesman said in a statement.

The request applies to domestic and international flights as well as Qantas` discount carrier Jetstar, the spokesman added.

Qantas` domestic competitor Virgin Australia issued a similar statement, adding that it was making on-board announcements ahead of departures.

In 2014, Qantas and Virgin Australia allowed passengers to use mobile electronic devices in-flight with limited restrictions after a relaxation of the rules by the country`s aviation authority.

Previous regulations banned their use during taxiing, take-off and landing due to fears they could interfere with the plane`s navigation equipment.

Samsung`s recall -- the first for one of the South Korean electronics giant`s top of the range phones -- came a week before arch-rival Apple unveiled its iPhone 7 on Wednesday.

Samsung`s mobile business chief Koh Dong-Jin had said the faulty rate amounted to 24 handsets per each million sold and that it would take about two weeks to prepare replacements.