There is no limit to precaution and the US and UK are taking things to the next level as they ban laptops and tablets on flights from 6 countries in the Middle East and Africa. The main reason is their fear of terrorism and increased security.
According to BBC News, a good number of airlines are now part of those that fall under the list of banned laptops and tablets on flights that come from these 6 countries. The report stated that 9 out of the 10 operating airlines in these countries are now under surveillance and tight security. Phones, they added, are exceptions.
These 6 countries, whose flights banned laptops and tablets as per instruction by the UK, are ones that come from Middle Eastern and African places. The 6 countries are as follows: Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia. This move caused a lot of outrage, especially from the aforementioned countries.
The Turkish government most especially expressed their indignation against the banned laptops and tablets issued by the UK. However, these safety precautions are now important especially for international flights. Even the Canadian Minister, Marc Garneau, considered issuing their own ban for flights heading towards their country.
The banned laptops and tablets from the 6 countries issued by the UK may have similarities with the US ban that was against Cairo, Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Doha, Jordan, Morocco, and Istanbul. Sky News mentioned this comparison in their report about the current issue. However, in a statement by the report, the security source in UK said that the action was for high security after the threat against aviation vehicles.
The additional security may not be taken well by the passengers and the businesses involved as these banned laptop and tablets from the 6 countries are valuable and personal. Regardless of the negative reaction from these people, the security maintains their ground in stating that the safety of everyone is their top priority. However, according to the airlines, these restrictions only apply to in hand luggage, thus passengers and customers should leave their devices in their checked in baggage.
