DUBAI: Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, said on Thursday it would work with authorities to implement new security measures on flights to the United States "as soon as possible" - a move that could help it overturn an in-cabin ban on laptops.
The measures, which European and US officials said would begin taking effect within three weeks, could replace the in-cabin ban on laptops and other large electronics on direct flights to the United States from the Middle East.
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Lifting the ban would be a welcome reprieve for Middle East carrier which have seen demand to the United States weakened by travel restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump's administration.
"We welcome the US Department of Homeland Security’s latest directive on enhanced screening measures," an Emirates spokeswoman said in a statement.
"We look forward to working with the authorities and Dubai airport stakeholders to implement these measures as soon as possible for our US flights.”
Rival Etihad Airways said the pre-clearance facility at its Abu Dhabi International Airport hub, which clears passengers through US immigration before departure, adheres to the short-term measures outlined in the new directive.
Working with TSA
"We look forward to working with the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and verifying that the security measures are in place which will see the ban lifted on personal electronic devices being carried in the cabin on our flights to the US," a spokesman for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier said.
In March, laptops were banned from the cabins of flights to the United States originating at 10 airports in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi International and Emirates' Dubai International Airport hub, to address fears that bombs could be concealed in electronic devices taken aboard aircraft.
The 10 Middle East airports where laptops are banned from the cabin on US flights will be able to get off the list if they meet the new security requirements, Homeland Security officials said on Wednesday.
"Lifting the ban on bringing laptops and other personal electronic devices onboard will be good news for travelers flying into the US," Emirates' spokeswoman said.
US authorities want increased security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas, expanded canine screening and additional places where travelers can be cleared by US officials before they depart.
European and US officials told Reuters that airlines have 21 days to put in place increased explosive trace detection screening and have 120 days to comply with other security measures, including enhanced screening of airline passengers.
Passengers from US ban countries can board: Etihad
Etihad Airways is allowing nationals from six Muslim-majority countries on a US travel ban list to board flights to the United States if they have valid travel documents, the Abu Dhabi-based airline said on Thursday.
The US Supreme Court ruled on Monday to allow part of the ban which applies to citizens and refugees from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Visa applicants from the six countries must have a close US family relationship or formal ties to a US entity to be admitted to the United States under guidance distributed by the US State Department on Wednesday.
"The airline continues to accept nationals with valid travel documentation from the six listed countries," an Etihad Airways spokesman said in a statement. "Acceptance, as per standard procedure, is subject to checks completed by US authorities at the preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi airport.”
Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, earlier said its flights to the United States were "operating as per normal" after the United States announced new travel restrictions.
The United States has also released new security measures for inbound flights that are designed to prevent expanding the in-cabin ban on laptops.
"Our flights to the US are operating as per normal. All passengers must possess the appropriate travel documents, including a valid US entry visa, in order to travel. Emirates remains guided by the US Customs and Border Protection on this matter," an Emirates spokeswoman said in a statement.
Etihad flies to six US cities. Emirates flies to 12.
