The UK has announced a ban on electronic devices into plane cabins on flights from six Middle Eastern countries. Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday ordered the ban, after a series of meetings concerning aviation security. The new restrictions came following a similar move by the US on Monday, which saw a longer list of eight Muslim-majority countries affected
Both countries will now prohibit passengers from bringing laptops, tablets and other portable devices into plane cabins, citing terror threats. The items will be checked and stored in the baggage hold
A Government 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 additional security measures may cause some disruption for passengers and flights, and we understand the frustration that will cause, but our top priority will always be to maintain the safety of British nationals.
"Decisions to make changes to our aviation security regime are never taken lightly. We will not hesitate to act in order to maintain the safety of the travelling public and we will work closely
The UK ban will affect flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. It applies to flights travelling into the UK via one of the banned countries and flights travelling from a banned country via the UK to other destinations
UK airlines which will enforce the new restrictions are EasyJet, British Airways, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson.
Overseas airlines facing the ban include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Atlas-Global Airlines, Middle East Airlines, EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, Tunis Air and Saudia.
Individual airlines will be responsible for enforcing the ban and inform passengers when they need to stow the banned devices in the hold.
The government is yet to announce an official start date for the ban and how long it will take, but has urged passengers travelling from the affected destinations to be prepared for the changes.
