The UK has followed the US in restricting electronic devices on flights from several countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Though not identical to the measures implemented by the US, passengers on “select flights” coming to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tunisia will only be allowed to carry smartphones in the cabin. Any device bigger than 16.0 x 9.3 x 1.5cm, such as laptops, must be stored in checked, hold baggage. While the US ban went into effect today and will last for 96 hours, the UK government has not set an expiry time for its restrictions.
“The United States government made a similar announcement earlier today regarding flights to the United States and we have been in close contact with them to fully understand their position,” the announcement reads. “We will not hesitate to put in place measures we believe are necessary, effective and proportionate.”
While no explicit reason for the ban other than the generally beefing up security has been given either side of the pond, it’s the sort of temporary reaction you’d expect to a specific terrorist plot. Sources speaking to The Telegraph said the action is in response to UK agencies working with the same intelligence as their US equivalents, further substantiating that theory.
Source: UK government
