SriLankan bans Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro onboard due to safety risk

National carrier, SriLankan Airlines has joined the growing number of international airlines to ban the recalled Apple MacBook Pro laptops from cargo and carry-on luggage due to fire safety risk.

Apple has determined that, in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. Affected units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017. The battery in the affected laptops can overheat, potentially swelling or igniting, according to Apple.

Issuing a statement, SriLankan Airlines requested the passengers as a safety measure to verify with Apple whether their devices are affected by the recall. The passengers are requested upon check-in to produce such verifications or proof that the battery has been replaced.

In the absence of such verification, their devices will not be allowed in as checked-in or carry-on luggage, the airline said. In order to verify their device, the passengers were asked to follow the link Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program. For more information, passengers can contact SriLankan Airlines’ 24-hour contact centre on +94 11 7771 979.