Travel operators in wait and watch mode after new US travel restrictions on middle eastern airports
NEW DELHI: Travel operators are in a wait and watch mode after new travel restrictions by the US from 10 airports mainly in the Middle East and North Africa on electronic carry on items.
The Department of Homeland Security expects passengers coming to the United States from airports in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco and Qatar to put electronic devices larger than a cell phone such as tablets, portable DVD players, laptops and cameras in their check in baggage.
The airports affected are in Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Casablanca, Morocco; Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
While some said there are ample opportunities for corporate travellers direct or via other transit hubs, others said it would mean a gain for carriers like Jet Airways and Air India.
“At FCM Travel Solutions, our priority is to ensure that travellers are aware of the ban and make their choices accordingly. There are ample opportunities for corporate travellers to fly direct or via European and Far East transit hubs, so one need not worry about their business travel plans," said Rakshit Desai, managing director, FCM Travel Solutions.
Sharat Dhall, COO (B2C) Yatra.com said the ban by the US and UK authorities prohibiting in-cabin electronic devices including laptops, tablets, cameras, DVD players etc. on passenger flights from eight countries including some key middle eastern airports, will complicate life for both business and leisure travelers.
"While business travelers are accustomed to working while travelling, leisure passengers often use their laptops or tablets for entertainment on these long flights. From an India point of view, this announcement should be a gain for carriers like Jet Airways and Air India which typically fly via Europe, as travelers will prefer airlines which allow them to use these gadgets and be connected during their travel," he added.
The Department of Homeland Security expects passengers coming to the United States from airports in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco and Qatar to put electronic devices larger than a cell phone such as tablets, portable DVD players, laptops and cameras in their check in baggage.
The airports affected are in Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Casablanca, Morocco; Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
While some said there are ample opportunities for corporate travellers direct or via other transit hubs, others said it would mean a gain for carriers like Jet Airways and Air India.
“At FCM Travel Solutions, our priority is to ensure that travellers are aware of the ban and make their choices accordingly. There are ample opportunities for corporate travellers to fly direct or via European and Far East transit hubs, so one need not worry about their business travel plans," said Rakshit Desai, managing director, FCM Travel Solutions.
Sharat Dhall, COO (B2C) Yatra.com said the ban by the US and UK authorities prohibiting in-cabin electronic devices including laptops, tablets, cameras, DVD players etc. on passenger flights from eight countries including some key middle eastern airports, will complicate life for both business and leisure travelers.
"While business travelers are accustomed to working while travelling, leisure passengers often use their laptops or tablets for entertainment on these long flights. From an India point of view, this announcement should be a gain for carriers like Jet Airways and Air India which typically fly via Europe, as travelers will prefer airlines which allow them to use these gadgets and be connected during their travel," he added.
