National flag carrier, RwandAir, has banned Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones cargo on its flights.

RwandAir says the move is a safety measure after Samsung recalled the phone last week after reports emerged of the device exploding during or after charging.

"In light of recent concerns raised by Samsung about Galaxy Note 7 devices, we have banned the transportation of Samsung Galaxy note 7 mobile phones as cargo aboard our flights. Passengers are also strongly advised to ensure that no mobile is used during flight and not to store them in any checked in baggage,” the airline head of marketing and promotion, Patrick Manzi, said in a statement, yesterday.

Airline passengers have been warned by US authorities not to switch on or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones when on board the plane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also advised against packing the phones into any checked-in luggage.

Qantas and Virgin Australia have also told customers not to charge or use the phone during flights.

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