On March 25th, the US banned all devices larger than a smartphone on directs flights to the US from ten airports in majority Muslim countries.
The ban applies to flights from Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai.
US officials have justified the ban as a precaution against terrorism based on “evaluated intelligence”. Larger technology can be checked into hold luggage.
Following the initial controversy, we consider the impacts and implications that the laptop ban has had.
Etihad Airways: Bookings to the US remain ‘healthy’
The Abu Dhabi carrier said on Monday that bookings to the US remain ‘healthy’, despite the laptop ban.
“Bookings to U.S. destinations remain healthy and customer feedback to the initiatives taken by Etihad Airways to provide for their business and entertainment needs has been very positive,” a spokesman said.
To minimise effects of the laptop ban, the airline has said it plans to loan approved tablets and free wi-fi to passengers on first and business class.
Qatar Airline: Introduce plans to offer laptop loan service
Similarly to Etihad Airways, Qatar has also introduced plans to offer a laptop loan service to overcome the laptop ban.
Customers will be able to download their work on to a USB before stepping on board to pick up where they left off.” said Qatar airways in a statement.
The laptops on loan will hope to cause minimal disrupt to those who are flying for work.
Australia to conduct additional security checks on passengers flying from the Middle East
Australia has been the latest country to announce new measures on flights arriving from Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East.
Similarly to those introduced by the UK and US, Australia will introduce additional security checks. This will not include the laptop ban.
“In response to national security advice the Federal Government has made precautionary changes and instructed airlines to implement new protocols from next week,” said Darren Chester, the Australian Transport Minister on Friday.
“Explosive detection screening will be conducted for randomly selected passengers and their baggage. Checks may also include targeted screening of electronic devices.”