The leading international airline trade organization's top official on Tuesday denounced U.S. and British bans, criticizing the policies as a move toward "more restricted borders and protectionism."

The controversial U.S. and U.K. ban on certain electronic devices in carry-on luggage on direct flights from several Muslim-majority countries came into effect Saturday.

The planned ban comes in response to an unspecified terrorism threat, a U.S. government official told Reuters.