Etihad sees end of laptop ban on US flights

Etihad passengers can now bring their laptops on board US flights, after the airline has said it will cooperate as the US government imposes new demands for increased airport security on flights to America from other countries in one of the country's most sweeping security measures yet, Arabian Business has reported.

The airline has a security pre-clearance facility for US passengers at its Abu Dhabi hub.

The US' latest move is in response to intelligence showing terrorist groups have become more sophisticated in their bomb-making efforts and could hide explosives in laptops or other electronic devices.The measures will include enhanced screening of electronic devices, more thorough vetting of passengers, increased use of bomb-sniffing dogs and measures to mitigate the potential threat posed by insider attacks, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has said.

Some of the new security directives will be implemented immediately, while others will be introduced over the course of 21 days. A US Homeland Security official had said that compliance could lead to the end of the laptop ban.

Emirates is hoping for a similar outcome to Etihad and has also vowed cooperation with the new directives.

An Emirates spokesperson said: "Lifting the ban on bringing laptops and other personal electronic devices onboard will be good news for travellers flying into the USA. We look forward to working with the authorities and Dubai airport stakeholders to implement these measures as soon as possible for our US flights.”