United Kingdom: Middle East Airlines laptop ban lifted on flights from Beirut

Event

As of Friday, November 17, British authorities have authorized passengers flying on Middle East Airlines (MEA) from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to carry laptop computers and tablets on board the aircraft.

Context

In March, British officials announced that passengers on direct flights from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Turkey to the UK would not be allowed to travel with electronic devices larger than a standard smartphone in their carry-on luggage due to what British authorities stated were insufficient security controls at these airports. Such devices had to be packed into checked luggage before going through airport security. At the time of the ban’s implementation, British authorities clarified that the order would be reviewed and the ban could be lifted once security measures were sufficiently reinforced at the affected airports.

Advice

Those traveling to the United Kingdom are advised comply with all airline regulations and contact their airlines for further information as needed.