Emirates, Etihad banking on new US curbs to end laptops ban

Emirates and Etihad Airways said they’re hopeful that tighter airport security requirements announced by the Trump administration will pave the way for the lifting of a ban on the use of laptops on flights from Mideast hubs to the US. Emirates will work with authorities to implement the measures “as soon as possible,” according to the airline. Etihad plans to consult with the US TSA to verify that the new steps will permit the termination of the moratorium, which also includes games consoles and tablets. All of the carrier’s American flights are processed through a US Customs and Border Protection pre-clearance facility which it says adheres to the required measures. “We will advise passengers once the new rules on personal electronic devices come into effect,” the airline said. <br/>