UK announces flight ban on electronic devices

TRAVEL: Devices banned from cabin on flights from Middle East and north Africa

Airline passengers travelling to the UK from six countries in the Middle East and north Africa are to be banned from carrying laptops and other large electronic devices as cabin luggage, Downing Street has announced.

The ban affects direct inbound flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia and covers devices that are larger than a typical smartphone.

The move was ordered by Theresa May yesterday in the latest of a series of meetings on aviation security.

Affected airlines were informed immediately, but may take a few days to implement the new security measure, said Number 10.

Mrs May’s official spokesman declined to discuss whether the new rules were prompted by specific intelligence.

Devices including Kindles and other e-readers will be banned from the cabin, along with hybrid devices such as the Microsoft Surface and iPad Pro, as well as the new Nintendo Switch gaming system.

Some travellers will be forced to pay extra fees for a checked bag if they want to use these gadgets at their destination.

Most smartphones, including the iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S7, will still be eligible to travel in cabin baggage.

Travel trade organisation Abta warned that laptops and tablets are not typically covered by travel insurance policies for loss, damage or theft if they are placed in the hold.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: “Passengers travelling to the countries affected may wish to consider leaving their electronic devices at home, although this may be difficult for many, especially business travellers and families travelling with children.”

Air industry consultant John Strickland warned that the ban will cause “headaches for airlines and customers” but said carriers have “no choice but to put security first” when official advice is given.

He added: “One unexpected consequence will be the challenge of additional devices with lithium batteries being stowed in the holds which brings its own challenges to safety.”

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “We understand the frustration that these measures may cause and we are working with the aviation industry to minimise any impact.”

Announcing the new restrictions, a Government spokesman said: “Decisions to make changes to our aviation security regime are never taken lightly.

“We will not hesitate to act in order to maintain the safety of the travelling public and we will work closely with our international partners to minimise any disruption these new measures may cause.”