Passengers barred from using Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on planes

However, a passenger can carry such phones on board in switch off mode and in cabin baggage

After three Australian airlines banned passengers from using or charging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 during flights due to concerns over the phone's fire-prone batteries, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), on Friday, barred passengers from carrying the smartphone in switch on mode on flights.

DGCA, however, clarified that a passenger can carry such phones on board in switch off mode and in cabin baggage.

In an order issued on Friday, DGCA said, "In light of the recent incidents involving battery incidents with Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices globally, travelling public and airlines are advised not to switch on these mobiles during the flight or stow them in any checked in baggage."

Samsung, the world's biggest smartphone marker, is scrambling to replace millions of Note 7 phones around the world.

While the three Australian airlines, Qantas, its budget unit Jetstar and Virgin Australia, said they had not been directed to ban the use of the phone by aviation authorities, Delta said that it would "comply with any directive and are studying this matter."

Samsung has recalled the phone in 10 markets.

Photograph: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters