Qatar Airways joins Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Etihad Airways who have also announced this week a lifting of the U.S. ban on their flights.
Qatar Airways said in a statement early on Thursday the ban had been lifted after the airline and its hub airport Hamad International met with all new U.S. security requirements.
Other airlines affected by the ban include Royal Jordanian , Kuwait Airways [KA.UL], EgyptAir [EGY.UL] and Royal Air Maroc.
DUBAI (Reuters) – Qatar Airways said on Thursday that passengers traveling to the United States can now carry their laptops and other large electronics on board, ending a three month in-cabin ban on devices for the Doha-based airline.
The United States announced on June 29 enhanced security measures for flights to the country which require additional time to screen passengers and personal electronic devices for possible explosives.
Qatar Airways announced early Thursday it is exempt from the U.S. ban on electronics in aircraft cabins on flights from the Middle Eastern country’s capital city to America.
Continue Reading Below ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, Qatar Airways announced in June its intent to make an $808 million investment, or 10% stake, in American Airlines (AAL).
Speaking at the Paris Air Show in June, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said the blockade on the country would “leave a lasting wound Opens a New Window.
Fellow Gulf-area carriers Emirates and Turkish Airlines received exemption from the ban Wednesday on U.S.-bound flights from Dubai and Istanbul, respectively.
The airline was named “Airline of the Year” by Skytrax, an air carrier ratings organization at the air show.
as declared in Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, said Tuesday it was working to implement the DHS measures and aims to have the ban lifted by July 19.
Related: How Qatar is shrugging off partial Arab embargo… for nowEven though the U.S. ban has been lifted, Qatar Airways is still facing another major international headache.
The U.S. introduced the ban in March over concerns that devices could be used to smuggle explosives on board.
Qatar Airways’ CEO, Akbar Al Baker, said last month the company is scheduling more flights to other destinations to make up for the lost business.
The ban still applies to U.S.-bound flights from six other airports in the Middle East and North Africa.