U s imposes electronics ban on flights from major middle eastern and african airports
On March 21, 2017, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) imposed a ban on carrying electronic devices larger than a smartphone on flights from certain airports in the Middle East and Africa. The ban was implemented in response to intelligence suggesting that terrorist groups were planning to hide explosives in electronic devices.
The ban applied to flights from 10 airports in the following countries:
- Turkey (Istanbul Atatürk Airport)
- Jordan (Queen Alia International Airport)
- Egypt (Cairo International Airport)
- Tunisia (Tunis-Carthage International Airport)
- Morocco (Mohammed V International Airport)
- Saudi Arabia (King Khalid International Airport)
- Kuwait (Kuwait International Airport)
- Qatar (Hamad International Airport)
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport)
- Yemen (Sana'a International Airport)
The ban prohibited passengers from carrying the following electronic devices in their carry-on luggage:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- E-readers
- Cameras
- Portable DVD players
- Gaming consoles
- Electronic games
- Electronic dictionaries
- Electronic translators
However, passengers were allowed to carry the following devices:
- Smartphones
- Smartwatches
- Fitness trackers
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Pacemakers
- Insulin pumps
- Medical devices
The ban was implemented to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack on a commercial airliner. The DHS stated that the ban was based on intelligence suggesting that terrorist groups were planning to hide explosives in electronic devices, which could be used to detonate a bomb on a plane.
The ban was widely criticized by airlines, passengers, and travel industry groups, who argued that it was unnecessary and would cause significant inconvenience to travelers. The ban was also seen as a blow to the economies of the affected countries, as it would reduce the number of passengers and cargo being transported through their airports.
On July 19, 2017, the DHS announced that it would lift the ban on laptops and tablets on flights from 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa, citing improved security measures and intelligence. The ban was replaced with a new security protocol that required passengers to check electronic devices larger than a smartphone in their checked luggage.