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'Bizarre' laptop ban could spark rise in air rage, says security expert

The new ban could lead to more unruly passengers - Credit: Wavebreakmedia Ltd UC24 / Alamy Stock Photo
The new ban could lead to more unruly passengers - Credit: Wavebreakmedia Ltd UC24 / Alamy Stock Photo

The ban on laptops and electronic devices on flights between the UK and six Muslim-majority countries is “bizarre”, lacks common sense and will only inconvenience holidaymakers, leading to more disruptive passengers, and will harm international trade.

That is the verdict of security expert Philip Baum, managing director of aviation security consultancy Green Light and editor of Aviation Security International.

If laptops do pose a threat, they shouldn’t be anywhere on aircraft, not just in the hold

Philip Baum, aviation security expert

Baum said the restrictions on carrying laptops, tablets and other electronic devices, announced this week in the wake of US decision to do the same from 10 airports in Muslim-majority countries, is “not intelligent at all”.

“What we should be doing is concentrating more on people’s behaviour and negative intent rather than just adding more and more items to prohibitive lists, especially if they pose no threat,” he said.

Which devices are banned

“If laptops do pose a threat, they shouldn’t be anywhere on aircraft, not just in the hold.”

Baum said the ban could increase the number of unruly passengers on flights, as they are forced to deal with further security restrictions.

International airports affected by UK electronics ban

It is as yet unclear whether airports or airlines will confiscate devices from passengers who fail to pack them into their hold luggage.

“But then if you don’t implement the security controls, it’s even more ridiculous. The only people who will suffer will be law-abiding citizens,” said Baum.

“Traditionally it’s very hard to retract measures that are put in place, but God forbid this should become the international standard.”

The ban, which the Government says will come into force on Saturday at the latest, will affect roughly 1.5 million travellers heading to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and Saudia Arabia.

Baum said that the inability for business travellers to use their laptops for work on flights between the countries and the UK will have an impact on international trade.

There are also concerns that the ban will mean thousands of travellers face having their insurance cover for expensive items invalidated.

Theresa May’s official spokesman admitted that the restrictions will cause “disruption”, but said that they are necessary for the safety of passengers.

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The spokesman said: “Safety of the travelling public is our highest priority. That is why we keep aviation security under constant review and put in place measures that are necessary, effective and proportionate.

“Over the last few weeks, the PM has chaired a number of meetings on aviation security, most recently this morning, where it was agreed new measures will be introduced.”

Chris Grayling, the Transport Secretary, said that while the Government understands the “frustration” that the measures will cause it is responding to an “evolving” terrorist threat.

He said: “We understand the frustration that these measures may cause and we are working with the aviation industry to minimise any impact.

Kindles, iPads and laptops will be affected by the ban - Credit: Dangubic - Fotolia
Kindles, iPads and laptops will be affected by the ban Credit: Dangubic - Fotolia

“Our top priority will always be to maintain the safety of British nationals.

“These new measures apply to flights into the UK and we are not currently advising against flying to and from those countries.”