Dubai: New security checks have been introduced at Abu Dhabi International Airport for passengers travelling to the United Kingdom, but not the United States, in the wake of a global warning issued to airports last week.
“Passengers travelling on Etihad Airways to Manchester or London Heathrow from Abu Dhabi International Airport may be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up, or they might face the possibility of not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft,” Abu Dhabi Airports told Gulf News in an emailed statement on Wednesday afternoon.
Airports around the world have ramped up security checks in response to a US Department of Homeland Security warning that “certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States” could be at threat.
According to reports, the American government has warned electronic devices could be used to conceal bombs.
Abu Dhabi International is the only airport in the Middle East to host a US pre-clearance centre, which allows passengers to clear US immigration from Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Airports stated that it is advising passengers “to ensure all electronic devices in their hand luggage are charged to minimise any potential disruption to their journey.”
According to reports out of the United Kingdom and Europe, passengers are being told to turn on their mobile and laptop devices to show that they are real. Those that cannot be turned on will be confiscated.
Earlier on Wednesday Majed Al Mansouri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports told Gulf News in an emailed statement, that “security clearance and checks remains as usual” and that “no new guidelines have been introduced with regards to mobile phones.”
It is unclear why Abu Dhabi Airports suddenly changed their public stance on security checks.
In his earlier statement, Al Mansouri said: “Abu Dhabi Airports is working closely with the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that aviation security is always enhanced.”
Etihad Airways is the only carrier that flies directly from Abu Dhabi to the United States.
Dubai Airports have directed security enquiries to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which earlier this week declined to comment on the matter and could not be reached on Wednesday.
