Theresa May orders electronics ban on flights from Middle East and North Africa Passengers flying to Britain from six countries in the Middle East and North Africa are to be banned from carrying […]

Passengers flying to Britain from six countries in the Middle East and North Africa are to be banned from carrying laptops into aircraft cabins in a fresh crackdown on aviation security.

The move – which mirrors similar action by the United States – was ordered by Theresa May and will come into force within days.

Downing Street refused to be drawn on the security alert which has prompted the action, which reflects fears that terrorists are constantly trying new ways of smuggling explosives on board aircraft.

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The ban applies to direct inbound flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, and will affect 14 airlines.

Despite its apparent worries about security precautions in those countries, the government stressed it was not advising against flying to and from those destinations.

In future travellers will be required to check electronic items larger than a typical smartphone, including laptops, tablets and ipads, into the plane’s hold.

The sanctions, which only apply to in-bound flights, cover electronic devices larger than 16cm in length, 9.3cm in width and 1.5cm in depth.

Steps ‘necessary and proportionate’

Theresa May’s spokesman said she had imposed the measure after a series of meetings on airline security.

He said: “We think these steps are necessary and proportionate to allow passengers to travel safely.”

The spokesman said the government had been in touch with the US authorities on the issue, but had taken its own decisions.

The US is imposing its laptop ban on flights from three countries – Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – which will not be affected by Britain’s move.

Turkey reacted with anger to the American plan, and look certain to protest to Britain as well.

Airlines affected British Airways easyJet Jet2.com, Monarch Thomas Cook Thomson Turkish Airlines Pegasus Airways Atlas-Global Airlines Middle East Airlines EgyptAir Royal Jordanian Tunis Air Saudia.

Mrs May’s official spokesman declined to discuss whether the new rules were prompted by specific intelligence.

Multiple attacks foiled

The tightening of security comes just weeks after it was revealed that the security services have foiled 13 potential attacks in less than four years, while counter-terrorism units are running more than 500 investigations at any time.

Nearly three years ago, passengers at British airports were advised to ensure electronic devices were charged so they could be switched on or risk being prevented from boarding their flight.

In a written statement to MPs, the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures in the world and at all times the safety and security of the public is our primary concern.

“We will not hesitate to put in place measures we believe are necessary, effective and proportionate.”