Etihad Airways and its hub airport Abu Dhabi have become the first carrier and airport to see the electronics device ban lifted by the US.
Etihad is free to allow laptops and other large electronics devices back in the cabin after inspections by the Transportation Security Administration were confirmed to meet Department of Homeland Security new security standards.
"We commend Etihad for working swiftly to implement these additional measures. Their efforts are a model for both foreign and domestic airlines looking to adopt the new measures," said DHS spokesman David Lapan.
The US government introduced the electronics ban in March which singled out airports in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE, including Dubai.
Abu Dhabi is the only airport in the Middle East which has a US Pre Clearance border point where passengers undergo screening before departure to the US.
"We welcome the decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to lift the electronic devices ban on flights between Abu Dhabi and the United States, following the successful validation of security measures," an Etihad statement said.
Last week, the DHS announced more stringent measures for the screening of luggage and electronic devices at all airports worldwide which have US bound flights.
Etihad Airways’ adoption of the new security protocols is ‘a testament to the close collaboration, effective communication and shared security commitment between T.S.A., the international civil aviation authorities and industry,’ said TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers.
