U.S Airline Regulators to Passengers: Turn off Your Galaxy Note 7 Phones

Airline passengers are prohibited from switching on or charging their Galaxy Note 7 smartphones during flights due to concerns over the device's exploding batteries the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said on Thursday Reuters reported.

Customers will still be able to bring the Galaxy Note 7 on flights because the bans extend to the phones being plugged into flight entertainment systems of the plane where USB ports are available.

The FAA stated that said it "strongly advises" passengers to follow its guidance "in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices."

Samsung announced last week it was conducting a massive recall of all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones equipped with batteries it has found to explode.

On Friday, Singapore Airlines became the latest carrier to ban the use of the Galaxy Note 7 during flights, following a similar policy by three Australian airlines.

"The powering up and charging of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones is prohibited on all our flights," Singapore Airlines said in a statement.

On Thursday, Australia's Qantas Airways, Jetstar Airways and Virgin Australia Holdings announced they had banned passengers from using or charging the Galaxy Note 7 in response to the reported faulty batteries of the phone.

Reuters reported that Australia's aviation regulator said on Friday it is cooperating with airlines and foreign aviation safety regulators "to ensure that recalled devices are treated and carried safely."

Delta Air Lines, the No. 2 U.S. airline by passenger traffic, said it is still studying the issue. "Delta is in constant contact with the FAA and other bodies in its run of business as a global airline. We will comply with any directive and are studying this matter. Safety and security is always Delta's top priority," spokesman Morgan Durrant said in a statement.

United Continental Holdings and American Airlines Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the FAA advisory.

Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for Washington-based trade group Airlines for America, said the organization was "closely monitoring any developments as this issue evolves.""Each individual carrier makes determinations, in compliance with FAA safety rules and regulations, as to what is permitted to be carried on board and in the cargo hold," Jennings said in a statement.

The FAA statement does not order U.S. airlines to take action.

The International Air Transportation Association said airlines have conducted risk assessments and noted that other phones have been recalled for battery issues.

"Although Samsung is the most recent company advising of faulty devices, others have issued similar recalls and warnings regarding lithium batteries in laptops over the last 12 months, so the industry is familiar with and equipped to manage such situations," the IATA said.