US bans electronic devices in carry-on luggage on flights from some Middle Eastern countries
Royal Jordanian airlines announced on Twitter that it has banned laptops, tablets and electronic games on some flights
THE US is preparing to ban electronic devices in carry-on luggage on flights to several major cities from some Middle Eastern destinations, it was claimed last night.
Royal Jordanian Airlines announced on Twitter that it had banned the equipment – covering laptops, tablets and electronic games – from planes heading to New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal.
It said the ban was effective from today and cited instructions from “concerned US departments”.
Mobile phones and medical devices were stated to be the only things exempt from the ban.
A source told American network CNN that it stemmed from security concerns regarding passengers boarding non-stop flights to the US from a dozen airlines.
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Embassy officials are believed to be notifying the relevant countries and airlines.
The Department of Homeland Security said last night: “We have no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide any update as appropriate.”
In 2014, the Transportation Security Administration required some passengers to show their electronics could power up over concern explosives were hidden in the devices.
As of yesterday, it had not issued a warning banning the electronic devices listed by Royal Jordanian in its announcement.
A representative for Royal Jordanian Airlines was not immediately available for comment.