DUBAI: Anything larger than a smartphone is banned in the cabin of flights going to the US from eight Middle Eastern countries, according to reports.
US government officials have ‘temporarily’ banned any electronics larger than a phone to be carried on board as cabin baggage. These will now have to be checked in to the holds of the airlines.
“Following instructions from the concerned U.S. departments, we kindly inform our dearest passengers departing to and arriving from the United States that carrying any electronic or electrical device on board the flight cabins is strictly prohibited,” said Royal Jordanian on Twitter.
Affected countries include the UAE, Saudi Egypt, Jordan.
FT quoting a US official says the ban will also apply to UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Saudia Airlines and Royal Jordanian airlines are among the affected countries; the full list has not been revealed to the affected airlines themselves, says The Guardian.
The ban does not apply to cell phones or medical devices, but does include laptops, tablets, electronic games and cameras.
– By Angel Chan