The UK has announced that they too will ban passengers carrying electronic devices when flying from certain Middle-East and North African countries.
Downing Street has announced a ban on electronic devices (larger than 16 x 9.3 x 1.5 cm) when flying direct to the UK from either Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia or Saudi Arabia. The unexpected news follows only hours after the US implemented their own ban.
The following airlines are affected by the UK ban:
- British Airways
- Egyptair
- Royal Jordanian,
- Tunis Air
- Saudia
- EasyJet
- Jet2.com
- Monarch
- Thomas Cook
- Thomson
- Turkish Airlines
- Pegasus Airways
- Atlas-Global Airlines
- Middle East Airlines
Although the UK ban does not include as many countries as the US one, it seems it may be more inconvenient for passengers. Many of the airlines affected by the UK ban are low-cost carriers, where many passengers opt-out of paying extra for check-in luggage. Therefore hand-luggage only travellers will not be able take electronic devices abroad with them, including cameras.
Announcing the restrictions, a No 10 spokesman said: “The safety and security of the travelling public is our highest priority. That is why we keep our aviation security under constant review and put in place measures we believe are necessary, effective and proportionate.”
The affected airlines will have a number of days to enforce the UK restrictions.
Experts warn that it is likely other European countries are considering similar restrictions.
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