Etihad Airways bans some Macbook Pro laptops due to 'fire safety risk'

On Thursday, Etihad Airways announced a ban on certain MacBook Pro laptops carried as checked-in luggage. The move follows a similar ban issued by U.S. airline safety regulators after Apple recalled some of its older laptop models back in June due to a fire risk in case batteries overheat.

The airline added that the laptops in question could still be carried as cabin luggage but under a few conditions. 

"Following a safety-related recall of some Apple MacBook Pro laptop computers, Etihad Airways has banned the carriage of MacBook Pro computers in checked luggage," the airline said in a statement. 

"Guests may still carry MacBook Pro laptops on flights, but only in cabin baggage. The laptops subject to the manufacturer's recall must remain switched off throughout the flight. Charging of the devices will not be permitted in flight," it added. 

The recent restriction, according to the airline, comes in line with actions taken by several airlines around the world. Etihad's cargo division has also banned the bulk shipment of these computers. 

Four other airlines with cargo operations managed by Total Cargo Expertise have also banned the laptops from being carried as cargo including TUI Group Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines, Air Italy, and Air Transat. 

As of Thursday, UAE's flag carrier Emirates said "it had no update to issue in relation to the recalled laptops."

Global airlines that have issued a similar ban include Singapore Airways which has prohibited the carriage of older 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops on flights. They have asked travelers not to bring the models as cabin or checked-in baggage until the battery was verified as safe or replaced by the manufacturer.

The EU Aviation Safety Agency also issued "a warning this month asking airlines in the region to follow 2017 rules that require devices with recalled lithium-ion batteries to be switched off and not used during flights."

Earlier this year, Apple issued an urgent recall of the laptops in questions, and have reclaimed over 460,000 computers affected. At the time, the company revealed it found that in a "limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk." 

Its officials also added that batteries would be replaced for customers who were sold these models, asking their customers to check the serial numbers on their devices. The laptops recalled by the tech giant include some models of the 15-inch MacBook Pros sold between September 2015 and February 2017.

To check if your MacBook is one of the laptops affected, go to this link to claim a battery change.