Turkish Airlines, Emirates get US laptop ban lifted
Turkish Airlines and Emirates had the US ban on in-cabin electronics for their flights lifted with immediate effect.
Meanwhile Saudi national airline Saudia also expects the ban to be lifted for its flights ‘on or before July 19,’ it said.
"Turkish Airways and Emirates Airline have initiated the process for lifting the ban by alerting the TSA they are ready to comply with the enhanced security measures," a Department of Homeland Security spokesman told CNN.
Both airlines confirmed they were given the green light to allow laptops and other devices in carry-on bags.
"Effective immediately, the electronics ban has been lifted for Emirates’ flights from Dubai International Airport to the USA," the airline said in a statement.
However the DHS was less forthcoming over Saudia’s bid to end the laptop ban.
"We’re not in a position to confirm so far in advance," the DHS spokesman said.
"Saudi Arabian Airlines is still operating under the portable electronic device restriction."
The ban was imposed in March on airports in Turkey, the Middle East and North Africa, forcing all electronic devices larger than a smartphone to be stowed in the cargo hold only.
At the weekend Etihad Airways was the first carrier to receive the all-clear to fly to the US with electronics in the cabin after its Abu Dhabi hub was found to meet new stringent security measures.
"The current PED restriction implemented in March 2017 will be removed should the 10 airports comply with the enhanced security measures outlined in the TSA directive issued June 28, 2017 and when such procedures are verified by TSA inspectors," the DHS added.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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