BAN ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES
 

The enforcement of a ban by the United Kingdom and the United States of America that prohibits passengers from carrying electronic devices larger than a mobile or smart phone on board flights from certain countries was instituted. The ban affects 10 airports in 7 Middle Eastern and northern Africa countries as well as Turkey.

In this regard and in response to the ban certain airlines have advised thus:

EMIRATES
The airline will allow passengers to use their electronic devices until the last possible moment, after which they hand them over into the custody of Emirates staff just before boarding the US-bound flight. The devices will be packed into boxes, loaded into the aircraft hold, and returned to the passenger on arrival at their US destination. There will be no added cost for the service.

ETIHAD
Devices should be checked in “at the start of any US-bound journey, which may not necessarily be at Abu Dhabi Airport”. The statement further states “Whilst Abu Dhabi International Airport is not listed within the more recent ban related to direct flights operating to the United Kingdom, enhanced security screening is likely for guests travelling to London, Manchester and Edinburgh”.
  
TURKISH AIRLINES
An announcement issued states that “You may carry your electronic devices on board flights ex South Africa, up until Istanbul Ataturk Airport. At the boarding gates in Istanbul for your onward journey to the USA and UK these prohibited electronic devices will be handed to the ground handling staff who in turn will place these devices in special packaging to securely stow these prohibited devices in the aircraft hold. On arrival, these devices will be taken to a designated zone in the baggage reclaim area for passenger convenience. Kindly be advised that all valuable items checked in will be at your own risk and should be declared with the relevant insurance companies prior to travelling.”
This applies to flights from Istanbul Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen Airports.

OTHER AIRLINES
Egyptair and Qatar Airways which are equally affected by the ban are yet to issue statements.