A number airports the Middle East have started implementing the ban taking laptop computers the airplane cabin flights to the USA and the UK. A new directive from the USA and UK now requires electronic devices larger than a smartphone to be checked to be stored in the hold the aircraft. The US ban has affected airlines eight Middle Eastern countries, while similar UK restrictions apply to six countries. Officials said the reason the ban was that larger digital devices could contain explosives. They did not give any indication as to how long the ban would be place. However, the Dubai-based Emirates airlines said it had received instructions to enforce it until least October 14.
There has been mixed reaction the ban. Airlines were unhappy about being given just 96 hours to comply it or risk losing their license to fly the USA. Some called it an operational nightmare. They are unsure whether or not to pass the financial burden the additional layer of security checks passengers. Some of the affected countries are questioning why the ban affects only Muslim-majority countries. Passengers, meanwhile, seem resigned to it. Rakan Mohammed Qatar said: "It's a rule. I follow the rules. The bigger problem my family is the no smoking." Maryam Hassad from Dubai was more concerned how to keep her children occupied a long flight their laptops.
