Qatar Airways CEO takes aim at US electronics ban

Donald Trump's ban on electronic devices on flights bound for the US from several Middle Eastern airports has been criticised by the CEO of Qatar Airways.

Akbar Al Baker told CNN that the ban from the Trump administration would not improve security, as suggested by those within the government.

Theresa May's government decided to follow suit after consultations with US intelligence officials, with tablet computers such as iPads and Kindles as well as laptops banned from being carried into the cabin of flights from several airports.

"I didn't think this ban was necessary at all," Al Baker told the US network. "People who want to disrupt aviation will do it from other places where there is no ban."

"I don't think this is really the correct way of solving security problems. In today's day and age, we have so much advancement in detection systems that we should utilize them," he added.

Last month both the US and UK brought in the new travel restrictions, with the former saying it was "concerned about terrorists" ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years".

The Qatar Airways chief backed Trump’s opening stint as president however, pledging to support his plans to put "America first".

"We are today living in a globalized world and you really cannot close your doors," said Al Baker. "Trump is not a nationalist, Trump is a pragmatist. He is looking after America first and we are supporting him in America first."