Passengers travelling from two Turkish and Pegasus planes from Istanbul to the UK are permitted to carry their electronic devices on board. The government has considered it as a “tough additional security measures” and stated that the remaining restrictions will be lifted after the government is completely satisfied that it is safe and proportionate to do so.
Laptops, tablets, accessories will be allowed into the UK cabin for passengers flying either from Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen or from Izmir from the two Istanbul airports.
It was in March that the rule of carrying anything bigger than phone from the cabin of direct flights to the UK was introduced in March. Six countries -Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Turkey were the six countries the ban was imposed on. Turkey is considered to be most important in terms of aviation link.
The prohibition on personal electronic devices (PEDs) was imposed following closely the US bans. However, earlier this month the Americans removed the restrictions.
There will be new checks that will include the explosive trace detection tests on portable electronic devices and enhanced surveillance.
Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling mentioned that after examining the changes introduced in March, and working closely with international partners and the industry on tough additional security measures, the ban can now be lifted.
Turkish airports, including Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman, are still not relieved from the ban. UK airlines rules are still stringent, including the ones from British Airways flights from Istanbul.
A Bristish Airways spokesperson mentioned that they were working with the UK Government and the local airport authorities to assess the security requirements in each of the countries where the UK Government restrictions currently apply.
The security policies will be under constant review and the customers will be made aware of the what other items can be permitted into the cabin.
Easyjet, the UK’s biggest budget airline expected the ban to be removed and the implementation of new policies by next week. On receiving the dates the customers will be informed.
The Department for Transport stated that the restrictions will happen on a case basis once the additional security measures are verified.
