The cabin ban on laptops and other large electronic devices on Emirates flights to the US has been lifted “effective immediately.”
The Dubai-based carrier follows UAE rival Etihad Airways in having the ban relaxed after extra security checks were introduced at Abu Dhabi airport.
An Emirates spokesman said: “Emirates has been working hard in co-ordination with various aviation stakeholders and the local authorities to implement heightened security measures and protocols that meet the requirements of the US Department of Homeland Security’s new security guidelines for all US bound flights.”
The largest carrier in the Middle East flies to 12 US cities from its Dubai hub. New rules requiring passengers to put laptops and other gadgets in baggage in the hold were introduced in March.
The US-imposed restrictions affected flights to and from 10 airports in eight majority-Muslim countries, and were prompted by fears that larger devices could be used to conceal bombs.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines expects a ban on carrying electronic devices in cabins on flights from Turkey to the UK to be lifted soon.
The indication came from chief executive Bilal Eksi on Twitter after a similar ban was lifted for US-bound flights.
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