Officials at the United States department for homeland security have announced a ban on large electronic devices from cabin baggage on flights from eight mainly Middle Eastern and North African countries.

They argue extremists are planning to bring down passenger jets with bombs hidden devices.

Under the ban laptops, tablets, cameras, DVD players and electronic games will be banned from cabins on nine airlines operating out of ten airports.

The nine airlines are Royal Jordanian, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Large electronic devices will now only be allowed on board in checked baggage.

Phones will be exempt from the new rules.

United States officials said the airlines involved had been given 96 hours to ban devices bigger than a mobile phone or smartphone from cabins.

The airports affected include Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International and Hamad International in Qatar.

These are among the busiest airports in the world.

No end date has been issued for the ban.