Passengers on UAE carriers to be allowed use of mobiles, electronics during flight

Passengers using UAE carriers will soon be allowed to use their mobile phones and other electronic devices during all stages of flight, a UAE civil aviation official was reported on Sunday as saying.

Civil aviation authorities met representatives of all UAE-registered airlines in Dubai this week to discuss new global aviation developments easing restrictions on the use of electronic devises during most flight stages.

Until recently, passengers were not allowed to use mobile phones and any other electronic systems during flight but such curbs have been relaxed to allow for the use of such devices in some flight stages, except after take-off and before landing.

“The civil aviation authority told airline representatives it has agreed that they permit their passengers to use their mobile phones, including smart phones and all other electronic devices in all flight stages,” Emirat Al Youm daily said, quoting Ismail Al Baloushi, assistant secretary general of the Dubai civil aviation authority.

He said the authority had taken that decision following studies that showed mobile phones and other electronic devices have been widespread in all countries.

“The study also showed people have become much reliant on such devices…the decision we have taken will positively affect passengers and increase the competitiveness of UAE airlines,” he said.

“This initiative is intended to cope with the ongoing developments in the aviation and communication sector worldwide…it has a scientific basis which ensures such changes will not affect the safety of the flight and the passengers.”

Baloushi said electronic devices had interfered with navigation devices in old aircraft but such interferences no longer exist in new planes.

“This means that the reasons which led to banning the use of those devices during flight no longer exist,” he added.


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