Electronic bans hit Gulf airlines and business travellers’ productivity

MIDDLE EAST TRAVELLERS flying to the US and UK now have to abide by new electronic directives designed to reduce terrrorist threats.

The TSA directive states devices larger than a smartphone, excluding medical devices, cannot be carried in the cabin and must be checked into the hold. It is applicable to all US-bound passengers from all three key hubs (Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha), whether originating or transiting, along with seven other regional airports (Kuwait, Amman, Jeddah, Riyadh, Casablanca, Istanbul Ataturk and Cairo). An Emirates spokesperson said the directive will be in place until October 14.

The UK followed suit, although it included Lebanon and Tunisia in its ban, along with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said US passengers could use laptops up to the gate and they would be placed in secure stowage areas, away from other bags, on Emirates’ A380s. Yet many corporate travellers are reluctant to part with their laptops for data protection, theft and damage concerns.

Some observers have questioned whether placing many laptops and lithium batteries in the hold increases fire risks.