Passengers taking any flight to or from the UK have been advised to ensure that all electronic devices they are carrying are sufficiently charged to be switched on.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said that there will be checks on “some routes”, but did not specify which routes were affected.
The advice follows similar security measures announced last week for passengers flying to the US, and appears to be in response to the same terror threat.
In a statement, a DfT spokesperson said:
“In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft. Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel.
“For obvious reason we will not be commenting in detail on the routes affected. We will work with the aviation industry to minimise disruption as far as possible.
“The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures in the world and we will continue to take all the steps necessary to ensure that public safety is maintained.”
It is not just mobile phones, tablets, and laptops that are affected by these rules, as the DfT guidance also references electrical shavers, travel irons, hairdryers, hair-straighteners and cameras or any other camera equipment as also needing to be charged before travel.
Some airlines have updated the guidance for carrying electronic devices and gadgets aboard their aircraft, including British Airways, which says:
“Customers may be asked to turn on any electronic or battery powered devices such as telephones, tablets, e-books and laptops in front of security teams and/or demonstrate the item’s functionality.
“If, when asked to do so, you are unable to demonstrate that your device has power, the device will not be allowed to travel on your planned service.
“Please do all you can to ensure that items you bring with you are fully powered before you arrive at the airport.
“Please do not bring any broken devices in your hand luggage to the airport as they will not be able to travel as planned.”
In a written parliamentary statement, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said that there was no change to the terror threat facing the UK, which remains “substantial” and “constantly evolving”.
