UK lifts 'laptop ban' on certain Turkish flights

By Bahattin Gonultas

ANKARA (AA) - Britain on Friday partially lifted restrictions on carrying large electronic devices onboard U.K.-bound flights from a number of Turkish airports and airlines.

The U.K.’s Department for Transport said Turkish Airlines passengers leaving from Istanbul’s Ataturk and Sabiha Gokcen airports would be allowed to bring laptops, tablets and accessories onboard as cabin baggage.

Pegasus Airlines passengers departing for the U.K. from Sabiha Gokcen and Izmir airports will also be able to bring such devices on board.

"Passengers on flights where restrictions have been lifted will now be able to take large phones, laptops, tablets and accessories into the cabin with them. Normal cabin baggage restrictions will continue to apply," the department said in a statement.

Sabiha Gokcen airport is the first to have all such restrictions lifted.

However, the U.K. ministry also warned “rigorous security measures” would be in place.

The baggage restrictions on U.K.-bound flights from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia were introduced in March.

This ban on key Turkish flights and departure points has been lifted after U.K. security officials visited Turkish airports to monitor security arrangements.

Restrictions remain in place at other airports and will be lifted on a “case-by-case basis once the U.K. government has verified that airlines have put in place alternative security measures, and that it is safe and proportionate to do so,” the department added.

On July 5, the U.S. also lifted a ban on carrying large electronic devices for Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul.