UK joins US in flight ban on certain devices from some Muslim countries

UK flight ban on devices to be announced

• 23 minutes ago
 
• From the section UK

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The UK is due to announce a ban on laptops and other electronic devices on certain passenger flights, following a similar move by the US.

It is understood the UK restrictions may differ from the US Department of Homeland Security's ban, which affects laptops and tablets.

Flights from 10 airports in eight Muslim majority countries are subject to the US announcement.

US officials said bombs could be hidden in a series of devices.

BBC home affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford said the UK move was "obviously part of coordinated action with the US".

The attempted downing of an airliner in Somalia last year was linked to a laptop device and it appears the security precautions are an attempt to stop similar incidents, our correspondent added. 

Under the US move, large electronic devices will only be allowed on board in checked baggage. Phones are exempt from the new rules.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said extremists were seeking "innovative methods" to bring down jets.

Passengers on some 50 flights a day from some of the busiest hubs in the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa would be required to follow the new rules.

The airlines affected by the US ban are: Royal Jordanian, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

The Turkish government has said the US ban is wrong and should be reversed.