Dubai travelers hit as laptop ban takes off
DUBAI: Dubai International Airport and its flag carrier Emirates began implementing a ban on laptops and tablets on direct flights to the US Saturday, on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Around 1.1 million people are expected to pass through the world’s busiest international airport as the city marks UAE spring break, Dubai Airports said.
An estimated 260,000 travelers were expected to pass through each day from Friday through Monday. Dubai International Airport expects 89 million passengers this year.
The US announced a ban on all electronics larger than a standard smartphone on board direct flights out of eight countries across the Middle East. US officials would not specify how long the ban would last, but Emirates told AFP that it had been instructed to enforce it until at least Oct. 14.
The ban also covers all electronics sold at Dubai Duty Free, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths told local radio earlier this week.
Staff in red suits could be seen at the airport Saturday carrying signs explaining the electronics ban, ready to appease travelers with games and activities for children.
Samuel Porter, who was traveling out of Dubai with his family, nonetheless decided to “avoid delays” at the airport by putting his laptop in the hold.
“The only issue is the kids. I have two kids and the iPad is always in their hands. Maybe they will watch a documentary and learn something useful this time,” he said.
Adding to the disruption on Saturday, a number of flights out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports were delayed due to thunderstorms, including an Emirates flight to Houston.