U.S. Bans Electronics On Incoming Flights From 8 Muslim-Majority Countries

American officials have banned passengers on flights from eight Muslim-majority countries from carrying electronic devices larger than a cell phone, requiring items such as laptops to instead be packed in checked luggage.

U.S. airlines are not affected by the ban, which is reportedly designed to address gaps in foreign airport security. The following airlines are affected: Egyptair, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

If these airlines do not comply with the electronics ban, officials said, they would not be allowed to fly to American airports.

Many of the airports covered by the ban are major international flight hubs, such as Dubai International Airport.

Royal Jordanian Airlines made an announcement about the ban Monday to its passengers, apparently preceding the Department of Homeland Security's plan to make the policy known publicly. Initially, U.S. officials refused to comment on the record about the policy.

The electronics ban comes shortly after the president's executive order banning immigrants from six Muslim-majority countries was blocked by two judges. Though the bans will likely be linked in much public discussion and in many people's minds, they cover different countries.

The immigration ban (sometimes known as a travel ban) prevents citizens from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the United States.

The new electronics ban affects travelers from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.

A tweet sent by Royal Jordanian Airlines on Monday about the policy has since been removed. The Associated Press published a screenshot of the message sent by the airline:

Following instructions from the concerned US departments, we kindly inform our dearest passengers departing to and arriving from the United States that carrying any electronic or electrical device on board the flight cabins is strictly prohibited.
Cellular phones and medical devices needed during the flight are excluded from the ban.
Prohibited devices, including for instance laptops, tablets, cameras, DVD players and electronic games... etc, can be carried in the checked baggage only.
This announcement is effective starting with March 21, 2017, and the instructions will be applied to New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal flights, the last two destinations served by a combined flight.
Thank you for your understanding. We wish you pleasant flights on board RJ.

Photo credit: Adrian Pingstone