Flight ban on laptops ‘ sparked by IS threat’
Turkey anger grows over US electronics restrictions
An aircraft cabin ban on large electronic devices was prompted by intelligence suggesting a terror threat to US- bound flights, say US media.
The US and UK have announced new carry- on restrictions banning laptops on certain passenger flights.
American officials warned that extremists are seeking “innovative” ways to attack airliners with smaller explosive devices hidden in consumer electronics bigger than smartphones.
Britain’s ban on laptops and tablet computers in the cabin on flights from several Middle Eastern and North African countries will be introduced “in the coming days”, a Downing Street spokesman said Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Britain said it would tighten airline security on direct flights originating from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Turkey.
The move came hours after the US government warned that extremists plan to target passenger jets with bombs hidden in electronic devices, and issued a ban on flights from 10 airports in eight countries.
Although the US announced that they had given airlines 96 hours to inform travelers before the ban came into force at 3: 00 am on Tuesday, there was confusion over when the British ban would kick in.
The government told the domestic Press Association news agency on Wednesday that it had immediately informed the 14 airlines impacted by the new measure, but that it would be introduced “in the coming days.”
“We are working with the airlines,” a Downing Street spokesman confirmed to AFP, adding that “passengers should contact their airlines to find out if it applied to them”.
However, no mention was made as to when the new measure would come into effect.
When contacted by AFP, British Airways, one of the airlines affected by the new measure, said it was up to the government to communicate on the issue.
Turkey Wednesday stepped up its objections to US restrictions on large electronic devices on flights from some airports in the country and other regional hubs, saying it punished travelers instead of tackling the problem.
“It would be better to take measures together against those who are a threat instead of punishing normal passengers,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a visit to Washington.
“If there are concerns over security, our departments should come together and take the necessary measures. This work cannot be done with bans,” Cavusoglu added.
Britain and the US on Tuesday banned laptops and tablet computers from the passenger compartment of flights from Turkey as well as several Middle East and North African nations.
Cavusoglu stressed these “temporary” measures should instead be replaced by “permanent and the most effective” measures, without giving detail.