Why have the US and UK banned electronic devices on flights?



Why have new rules been imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom which ban electronic devices in hand luggage?

See also: US bans electronic devices on flights from many countries

See also: UK to introduce ban on electronic devices on certain flights


The US says it's because "terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation" and are attempting to put explosives into electronics.

The US ban affects nine airlines from mostly Muslim countries, and these airlines have been given until Saturday to comply.

The UK ban includes six countries. Leading international carriers like Emirates Airline, British Airways and Turkish Airlines are some of the airlines that will be using the new restrictions.

Passengers will still be allowed to bring their cell phones on board, but virtually any other electronic device must be in checked luggage.

The Daily Beast reports that intelligence collected from the US January raid in Yemen played a part in the new ban.

The new aviation security restrictions are some of the most intensive to be used since 9/11.

Advertisement