I wonder if we will go back to proving a device is workable. I recall even flying to the Scottish isles having to prove that my phone could switch on and wasn't just a dummy. I've not seen that done for 20 year.
Is there something different about these airlines and their procedures? I believe they use the same terminals and secure zone as US/EU airlines. I'd have thought US/EU airlines would be a much worthwhile target assuming the risk is from ISIS, their subsidiaries, franchises or affiliates.
Proving a laptop is function is something they have been doing on departure (at least on BA flights to LHR) from Dubai for a few years at least (this check is done at the boarding gate)