U.S. and UK ban laptops on Middle East flights

The United States and the United Kingdom have decided to forbid passengers from carrying electronic devices aboard flights from airports across the Middle East and North Africa. This sudden move left passengers and airlines confused with what to do for passengers with electronics.

“Our decision to implement additional security procedures at selected airports was based on our assessment of the threat environment and our mission to protect air travelers from the threat of terrorism,” David Lapan, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for DHS said.

Devices larger than a smartphone cannot board the plane with the passenger but must be checked in, in fear that letting these devices on the plane increases the risk that they could contain explosives.

The U.S. has placed this ban over eight countries – Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait – while the UK has placed this ban on six countries – Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Lebanon.

Aviation experts believe this ban can negatively affect airline profits as this move will greatly dissatisfy customers.