Emirates says electronics ban lifted on flights to US

Dubai-based Emirates Airline said on Wednesday that the electronics ban on US-bound flights has been lifted for its flights traveling from Dubai International Airport.

“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 US Department of Homeland Security’s new security guidelines for all US bound flights,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways said that passengers traveling to the US will no longer face the restrictions on electronics.

US President Donald Trump’s administration imposed a ban in March on carrying several electronic devices, including laptops, in carry-on luggage on flights coming in from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and at least six other countries in the Middle East.

Security reasons were cited for the ban, which was seen as likely to force business travelers to switch from Gulf carriers to American airlines in order to be able to use their electronic devices.