July 6 (UPI) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security lifted its ban on electronic devices on carry-on luggage on Emirates Airlines and Turkish Airlines, the airlines confirmed.
The DHS established the ban in March. It said intelligence threats indicated that electronic devices larger than a cellphone could be used to conceal bombs.
The ban, on devices including laptop computers, applied to carriers with routes from Middle East and North African counties to U.S. airports.
Emirates Airlines, based in Dubai, said in a statement that it “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.”
A separate ban, against carry-on electronic devices on planes from Turkey to Britain, remains in force.
Etihad Airlines, Abu Dhabi‘s national carrier, was released from the ban on Sunday. It continues to affect six other airlines, including Saudi Arabia’s flagship carrier Saudia. The airline said Tuesday it was working with DHS officials and hopes to have its ban lifted by July 19.
