Following USA’s example, UK announce ban on electronic devices on some planes from Middle East
The USA’s ban on electronic devices in the hand baggage of some airlines originating from the Middle East is spreading to other parts of the world as well.
Following America’s example, the UK has issued a ban on passengers using electronic devices on flights from some Middle Eastern countries.
However, passengers with Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates can heave a sigh of relief as these airlines have not been named in the list of affected companies.
The UK ban will primarily affect flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, reported BBC.
Eight overseas airlines — including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Atlas-Global Airlines, Egyptair, Royal Jordanian, Tunis Air, Saudia and Middle East Airlines — will be affected by the UK ban.
Six British carriers, namely British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson will also be affected.
A UK government spokesperson said: “Decisions to make changes to our aviation security regime are never taken lightly. We won’t hesitate to act in order to maintain the safety of the travelling public and we’ll work closely with our international partners to minimise any disruption these new measures may cause."
This move follows a similar restriction on the use of gadgets on flights from Muslim-majority countries into the US announced by the US Department of Homeland Security today morning.
The US ban states that a person will not be allowed to carry any electronic devices larger than a cell phone (laptops, tablets, gaming devices, e-readers, portable DVD players) except medical devices.
It is still unclear whether the US and the UK are responding to a specific threat. The Telegraph reported that UK security services ‘have seen the same intelligence as their US counterparts.’
Sky News reports that the order is in response to ‘the general threat from terrorism’ and not a specific attack or possible attack.
Meanwhile, several airlines affected by the ban have issued statements speaking of their willingness to comply with the ban. The restrictions on flights originating from the UAE will begin on Saturday and will last for seven months, confirmed an Emirates spokesperson, according to The National.
“The directive comes into effect on March 25, 2017, and is valid until October 14, 2017. It’s applicable to all US-bound passengers from Dubai International Airport, whether originating or transiting through,” said the Emirates spokeswoman, in a statement.
later only allowed with you lungi clothing + chapati for any flight! lol!
@pioneerpec I 100% agree with you and this will affect non-Muslim countries (passengers)far more than it will affect the Muslim countries(passengers). Tit for Tat
Daa Pottaaa !!
Unfortunately, we don't have MI5, James Bond or CIA active on QL to enlighten you.
You will have to stay in the dark for some more time
i really don't get it , what security issue on this matter ? are they affraid someone will use their laptop or pad to bash people or pilot head and hijack the plane? can someone please enlighten me?
All Muslim countries affected by Ban should counter implement the same as a Tit for Tat Measure , otherwise they are going to lose business.
When I was young, I wondered why companies were quickly switching to 3G when they have already have enough 2G customers. But a manager from one of those telecom countries informed me that ...See child, if we donot get the 3G spectrum, in the future our company need to be shut down as the existing customers will gradually shift to 3G. This is a similar situation. If the Muslim countries allow the Non Muslim countries carriers to bring in electronic stuff gradually all customers will be shifted to Non muslim carriers....It is so sad that the Muslim Countries still did not announce this ban.
If I was cynical , I might think that it is more to do with taking business away from local carriers ... But thankfully I'm not :O)
I don't see any relation with safety on this matter especially when its only affecting Muslim countries, plus when its only US and UK we still cannot say its spreading all over the world.. Trump administration continues with the WAR on Muslims now with the help of UK it seems
I suppose safety comes first - The sad thing is that QA just announced the brilliant new seating allowing for meeting in business class