Saudia to ban electronics in cabins on US flights

Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), the kingdom’s official carrier, said on Tuesday that it will temporarily ban some electronics devices, including laptops, iPads, cameras and most other electronics, in carry-on luggage on its US-bound flights.

“The ban excludes cellphones and medical devices. Everything else would need to be packed in checked luggage,” Saudia said in a statement posted on Twitter.

This follows news reports that the US authorities are set to bring in a new ban in response to an unspecified terrorism threat. The new rule is expected to be announced Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security, a Reuters report added citing unnamed officials.

An Associated Press report cited a separate official as saying the ban will affect 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

UAE-based Emirates Airline also confirmed that passengers traveling to the US from Dubai would be affected by the ban, which comes into effect on March 25 and will be valid till Oct. 14, 2017.

The directive “is applicable to all US-bound passengers from Dubai International Airport, whether originating or transiting through,” an Emirates spokesperson told Argaam in an emailed statement.