Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is now banned on all Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia flights

Following the example of international airline companies, local carriers have banned the carrying of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on its flights due to the smartphone’s fire risk.

Starting Oct. 16, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have banned Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on all flights.

The Qantas Group earlier allowed the carriage of the infamous handset as long as it was turned off, but the restriction has been broadened to a total ban following the prohibition implemented by the United States Department of Transportation.

“Qantas and Jetstar customers are advised that the carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on-board is prohibited on ALL FLIGHTS effective 12:01am (AEDT) Sunday 16 October 2016.

“This is due to concerns regarding potential fire risk from the device’s battery after a number of incidents worldwide and follows a ban put in place by regulators overseas. The ban applies to devices being carried onto the aircraft, in carry-on baggage as well as check-in luggage. Other Samsung devices are not affected,” the Qantas Group said in a statement.

Virgin Australia also followed suit, advising their guests to ditch their Note7 devices when travelling.

“Effective 12:01am AEDT on Sunday 16 October, guests travelling on Virgin Australia services must comply with this ban by not travelling with this device, whether on their person, in their carry on luggage or in a checked bag,” Virgin Australia announced through a travel alert.

“This is due to safety concerns around the device and follows the implementation of a ban by the U.S. Department of Transportation.”

In the United States, a replacement unit of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device emitted smoke and caused a Southwest Airlines forced evacuation due to customer safety protocols. (Read: Smoking Samsung Galaxy Note 7 prompts Southwest Airlines evacuation)

Samsung briefly resumed the sale of Galaxy Note 7 handsets early in October, but the South Korean smartphone-maker eventually cancelled production and pulled out its flagship device from the market after replacement units continue have battery defects. (Read: Samsung resumes Galaxy Note 7 sale, customers seek damages for burns on crotch, legs)

At least 2.5 million units of Galaxy Note 7 devices were sold worldwide following Samsung’s launch event in Aug. 11. In Australia, some 51,060 units of latest Samsung smartphone were sold at $1,349 a piece.

The Galaxy Note 7 device ships with a 3500mAh battery, which caused the global recall due to reports of overheating devices or those catching flames while charging.