Air India expects surge in traffic post in-flight gadgets ban by US, UK

Mar 23, 2017: The ban by the US and the UK on carrying I-pads and laptops in cabin baggage on flights from some Islamic countries might benefit national carrier Air India.

According to a senior Air India official, the airline, which flies to multiple destinations in both the US and the UK, expects a rise in demand for its flights to these locations following the ban.

Director Finance, Air India, Vinod Hejmadi reportedly said that the airline might add additional flights if load and demand increases substantially.

The government has, however, said that it would study the restrictions to understand the impact of the ban on the Indian carriers.

Besides Air India, private carrier Jet Airways also flies to the US, but via its partner Etihad's Abu Dhabi hub.

The new policy affects people flying to the United States from airports in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The United Kingdom authorities have also announced a similar ban on devices larger than smart phones on flights from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.