Ban on laptops sparked by IS threat

The UK and US have announced new carry-on restrictions banning large electronic devices on certain passenger flight, with US media reporting that so-called Islamic State group (IS) has been working on ways to smuggle explosives on to planes by hiding them in electronics. According to a statement from the Department for Transport, large phones, laptops and tablets not allowed in the cabin on flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tunisia. The DfT maintained that the additional security measures may cause some disruption for passengers and flights, but that its top priority is the safety of British nationals. The British ban, announced hours after the American measure, is similar but applies to different airlines, including British Airways and EasyJet.