Gulf airlines issue guidelines on gadgets ban

MUSCAT: Gulf-based airlines have started taking measures to comply with the new rule banning electronic devices on flights to the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Emirates has introduced a new service that will enable customers to use their laptops and tablet devices until just before they board their flights to the US, while another UAE- based airline Etihad announced enhanced security measures had been put into place for travellers going to UK. “Whilst Abu Dhabi International Airport is not listed within the more recent ban related to direct flights operating to the United Kingdom, enhanced security screening is likely for guests travelling to London, Manchester and Edinburgh,” Etihad stated.

It also said: “Following a directive from the US authorities, we have been advised that guests travelling to the United States from the Abu Dhabi International Airport are not permitted to carry electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smart phone on board.

“Mobile phones and medical devices are permitted but larger items, including laptops, tablets, cameras and e-readers, will need to be placed into baggage that is checked-in. This must be done at the start of any US-bound journey, which may not necessarily be at Abu Dhabi Airport. The ban does not affect flights leaving from the US towards Abu Dhabi and beyond,” the airline added.

Meanwhile, Emirates said that customers travelling to the US via Dubai will be able to use their laptops and tablet devices during the first part of their journeys, and during transit in Dubai.