DGCA lifts restriction on Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices bought after September 15

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday lifted the restrictions on in-flight use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices that were bought after September 15. The select handsets allowed to be used on-board have a green battery charge indication on the screen.

India's civil aviation regulator banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on-board aircraft on September 9 following reports of the handset catching fire due to a faulty battery. The South Korean technology giant announced a global recall of the device earlier this month to address the issue, and resumed its sale only after the battery was replaced.

"In the light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, travelling public and airlines are advised to ensure the following in respect of Samsung Note 7 purchased before 15th September 2016 which have been recalled by Samsung and have white battery charge indication on their screen," the DGCA said in a public notice.

However, the restriction on the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices bought before September 15 still stays. The regulator has also advised travellers to turn off their electronic devices or avoid charging battery on-board.

A few countries like India, Canada, Japan and the US imposed a ban on the use of Samsung's flagship during flights owing to the risk of explosion from its faulty battery. Some airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines and Tiger Airways also banned using or charging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 during flights.

Samsung has recalled nearly 2.5 million units of the Galaxy Note 7 globally and stopped its sale over fear of an explosion.