U.S Lifts Laptop Ban On Emirates, Turkish Airlines

The United States has lifted the in-cabin ban on laptops and other electronic devices on flights arriving the country from Dubai and Istanbul, Emirates and Turkish Airlines confirmed on Wednesday.

“Emirates has been working hard in coordination with various aviation stakeholders and the local authorities to implement heightened security measures and protocols that meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s new security guidelines for all U.S. bound flights,” the Dubai-based airline said in a statement.

Turkish Airlines tweeted: “#WelcomeOnBoard to our U.S.-bound flight. Please fasten your seatbelts and enjoy your own electronic devices.”

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However, a separate electronics ban on flights from Turkey to the U.K. is still in place.

The announcement comes barely three days after same restrictions were lifted on Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways.

The ban was lifted “effective immediately” on Dubai International, the world’s busiest airport for international travel, after new security measures announced by the US on June 28 were implemented, an Emirates spokesperson said in a statement.

The ban still applies to U.S.-bound flights from seven other airports in the Middle East and North Africa. It will continue to affect six airlines, including Qatar Airways.

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The US had in March imposed the ban on flights originating at ten airports in eight countries -Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Turkey, to address fears that bombs could be concealed in electronic devices taken aboard aircraft.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on June 29 enhanced security measures for flights to the country, adding that airlines that fail to meet the new security requirements could still face in-cabin electronics restrictions.

Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, said Tuesday it was working to implement the DHS measures and aims to have the ban lifted by July 19.

“We’re not in a position to confirm so far in advance,” a DHS spokesman said on Tuesday. “Saudi Arabian Airlines is still operating under the [portable electronic device] restriction.”

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