The United States has confirmed that the electronics ban in plane cabins will not extend to the European Union this week, sparking debate that the ban is designed specifically to target gulf carriers. 

The ban applies to any electronic devices larger than a mobile phone being checked in, as they are not permitted in the cabin. 

 Emirates linked a cut in regular flights to the United States to the ban, which extends to Gulf carriers, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt and Morocco.

Sultan Al Qassemi, the prominent Emirati columnist tweeted in response to the news that the ban would not be extended to the EU

Very clear from the outset that this was a commercial decision aimed at Gulf (and Turkish) airlines. 1/2 https://t.co/aHmFJlg2bK

Recommended

Emirates Cancels All Flights To Hong Kong Until Further Notice Due To TyphoonHH Sheikh Mohammed Shared His Vision For Dubai 17 Years Ago And Kept His Promises Since ThenThe Honorary President Of The Emirates Red Crescent Has Directed Direct Medical Aid For Syrian Earthquake Victims In The UAE

— سلطان سعود القاسمي (@SultanAlQassemi) May 30, 2017

American (& European) airlines can’t compete in service quality so they resort to below the belt tactics such as the laptop ban. 2/2 https://t.co/aHmFJlg2bK

— سلطان سعود القاسمي (@SultanAlQassemi) May 30, 2017

The UAE airlines, Emirates and Etihad have done their best to minimise inconvenience to passengers, including Emirates implementing new services for packing devices. 

Read: The Chief Executive At Qatar Airways Has Some Pretty Strong Words To Say About The Electronics Ban