Turkey: Electronic device ban lifted for US-bound flights from Istanbul

Event

The CEO of Turkish Airlines has announced that on Wednesday, July 5, the United States will lift a ban on laptops and other electronics from cabins on direct flights from Istanbul's Atatürk International Airport (IST) to American airports. This announcement came a day after the United States lifted the ban on electronics on direct flights departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport, after Etihad Airways - the only airline operating flights between Abu Dhabi and th US - implemented tighter security measures. The US government has not yet issued any statement regarding the case of Turkey.

Context

In March 2017 , a measure went into effect that prevented passengers flying directly to the United States from ten Middle Eastern and North African airports from transporting any electronic devices larger than a "normal sized" smartphone (16 cm x 9.3 cm x 1.5 cm / 6.3 in x 3.5 in x 0.6 in) in carry-on luggage. Laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, DVD players, and video games must be transported in checked luggage if flying to the US from these airports. Turkish Airways responded by providing laptops to its business travelers. 

As a reminder, the restrictions  currently remain in place in the following nine airports: 
•    Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, Jordan
•    Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Egypt
•    Atatürk International Airport (IST) in Istanbul, Turkey
•    King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
•    King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
•    Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
•    Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca, Morocco
•    Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar
•    Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates

Advice

Travelers are advised to contact their airline for more information.