Dubai
There have been no changes to security procedures at Abu Dhabi International Airport in the wake of a global warning by the United States Department of Homeland Security last week.
Airports around the world have ramped up security checks in response to a warning that “certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States” could be at threat.
According to reports, the US government has warned electronic devices could be used to conceal bombs. The warning comes amid concerns that Al Qaeda in Yemen is working with jihadists in Syria to manufacture bombs.
However, Abu Dhabi International, which hosts the only US pre-clearance centre in the Middle East, has not made any changes, suggesting the airport is not at risk.
“Security clearance and checks remains as usual at Abu Dhabi International Airport and no new guidelines have been introduced with regards to mobile phones,” Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports told Gulf News in an emailed statement. He added that, “Abu Dhabi Airports is working closely with the US Customs and Boarder Protection 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.
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.
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.
