Turkey says negotiating with aviation authorities on electronics ban

ANKARA: Turkey is negotiating with international aviation authorities on easing the conditions of a ban barring passengers from carrying large carry-on electronics on US and Britain-bound flights, Turkish Transportation Minister Ahmet Arslan said on Friday.

The US Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday that passengers travelling from specific airports, including Istanbul, could not bring into the main cabin devices larger than a mobile phone such as tablets, laptops and cameras.

Arslan made the comments during an interview with broadcaster NTV.



Earlier this week, Turkey  stepped up its objections to US restrictions on large electronic devices on flights from some airports in the country and other regional hubs, saying it punished travellers instead of tackling the problem.

“It would be better to take measures together against those who are a threat instead of punishing normal passengers,” Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said during a visit to Washington.

“If there are concerns over security, our departments should come together and take the necessary measures. This work cannot be done with bans,” Cavusoglu added, quoted by state-run news agency Anadolu.



Cavusoglu stressed these ‘temporary’ measures should instead be replaced by “permanent and the most effective” measures, without giving detail.

“America’s or other allies’ concerns are our concerns,” he added.