The U.S. government has imposed a restriction that prohibits most large electronic devices from being carried into aircraft cabins on certain flights from airports in the Middle East and North Africa bound for the United States.
Under the order, nine airlines must prevent passengers from bringing most electronics larger than a smartphone into the cabin on U.S.-bound flights. Items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, portable gaming consoles, and cameras must be checked in with luggage. Smartphones remain permitted in the cabin. Medical devices required for use during flight are allowed but will undergo security screening before boarding.
The electronics restriction applies to flights departing from these ten airports: Queen Alia International (AMM), Cairo International (CAI), Atatürk International (IST), King Abdul-Aziz International (JED), King Khalid International (RUH), Kuwait International (KWI), Mohammed V International (CMN), Hamad International (DOH), Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International (AUH).
The ban covers any flight to the United States that departs from one of the listed airports, regardless of the passenger’s original point of origin. For travelers connecting through these airports, the Department of Homeland Security advises that larger electronic devices be placed in checked baggage at the initial check-in to avoid complications at the transfer airport.
Although the restriction does not affect domestic flights within the United States or flights leaving the U.S., it creates several practical challenges. Business travelers departing from the affected hubs will be unable to use laptops or tablets in flight, limiting productivity on long-haul trips. Requiring devices to be stowed in checked baggage raises concerns about potential damage or loss, and some carriers limit or exclude liability for checked personal electronics.
The measure also intersects with evolving airline practices. Many carriers have reduced or removed seat-back entertainment systems as passengers increasingly use personal devices onboard. Investments in onboard Wi-Fi are rising, but if passengers must check larger devices, access to personal entertainment during extended flights may be reduced.
The Department of Homeland Security explained the rationale for the restriction in a public statement, noting continued concerns about attempts to target commercial aviation. Citing recent incidents and evaluated intelligence, officials indicated that terrorist groups have shown interest in smuggling explosive devices inside consumer items, prompting precautions at select points of departure.
Direct carriers affected by the ban include Egyptair, Emirates, Etihad, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish Airlines. The measure is expected to apply to dozens of flights operating between the listed airports and the United States.
Authorities in other countries have considered similar steps. For example, the U.K. Department for Transport proposed restrictions on large electronics in the cabin for flights to the United Kingdom from several countries in the region.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the restriction will remain in force “until the threat changes.”