From today, passengers who wish to carry laptops, tablets and other electronic devices on flights to the United States can do so as the ban has been lifted after enhanced security measures were brought in at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The hub is the first airport in the world to have been given the green light by the Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration since broader security requirements were unveiled last Wednesday by the US.
All Etihad passengers traveling to the US clear US immigration and customs at the preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport, the only such facility in the Middle East. When passengers then land in the US, they are not required to queue for immigration and customs checks again.
Emirates airline has welcomed US Department of Homeland Security's latest directive on enhanced screening measures.
An Emirates spokesperson said: “We welcome the US Department of Homeland Security's latest directive on enhanced screening measures.
“Lifting the ban on bringing laptops and other personal electronic devices onboard will be good news for travellers flying into the USA.
“We look forward to working with the authorities and Dubai airport stakeholders to implement these measures as soon as possible for our US flights.”
In March, the United States first announced that laptops, tablets, e-readers and other large electronic devices would be banned from cabins on flights from 10 airports, including those in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This caused inconvenience to passengers flying through the UAE who were forced to check-in devices with hold baggage.