Explained: Electronics ban on flights makes no sense

Recently, United States and United Kingdom imposed a ban on all electronic devices larger than a cell phone (16 cm large, 1.5 cm deep and 9.3 cm wide) into cabin of Airlines flying from certain countries in the Middle East and Africa.

Ban by US affect over 50 flights from 10 airports, including major global hubs like Dubai and Istanbul. The 10 international airports covered by the ban are in Cairo (Egypt), Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), Istanbul (Turkey), Doha (Qatar), Amman (Jordan), Kuwait City, Casablanca (Morocco), Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

Ban by UK covers Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

These bans on electric devices make no sense because of the following reasons.

  1. Ban by US and UK target different countries. US targets Morocco, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Kuwait, UAE, Jordan and Saudi Arabia whereas UK targets Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
  2. US officials have no idea why the ban is imposed. In a written statement, the Department of Homeland Security said, “We have no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide any update as appropriate.”
  3. Electronic device in checked luggage is considered safer, although, according to experts gate screening is more effective than cargo screening.
  4. The ban is on direct flight from the list of ban countries. Ban will not have any impact on indirect flights.
  5. “Insider threats” is not addressed by the ban.z