US laptop ban lifted on Emirates and Turkish Airlines
The United States has lifted the in-cabin ban on laptops and other large electronic devices on US-bound flights from Dubai and Istanbul, Emirates and Turkish Airlines said today. The announcements…
The United States has lifted the in-cabin ban on laptops and other large electronic devices on US-bound flights from Dubai and Istanbul, Emirates and Turkish Airlines said today. The announcements come three days after restrictions were lifted on Etihad Airways’ hub Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Earlier this year, the US banned laptops and other large electronic devices from cabins on flights to and from eight mostly Muslim nations, amid concerns that bombs may be concealed in them.
Emirates is quoted as saying in a statement: “Effective immediately, the electronics ban has been lifted for Emirates’ flights from Dubai International Airport to the USA.”
Turkish Airlines tweeted that all electronic devices would be allowed on its US flights from today (Wednesday 5th July).
Airlines had expressed hope that new guidelines announced last week would pave the way for the lifting of the electronics ban. The measures include enhanced screening, more stringent vetting of passengers and increased use of bomb-sniffer dogs in 105 countries.
Turkey has started using advanced tomography technology for X-ray and ultrasound screening at Istanbul’s Ataturk International Airport. Transportation minister Ahmet Arslan said of this: ” “By installing these machines, we will show our American and British counterparts that our security arrangements at our airports surpass those of their own.”
Are laptop bans really the answer to security challenges? Read Alan Peaford’s blog on the issue.
