ABU DHABI // Passengers flying from the UAE to Australia will be subject to extra security screening measures starting April 6, Etihad Airways said.
A spokesman for the airline said the move followed a directive from the Australian government on Friday that it will increase security checks for flights from some Middle East airports.
“The new measures are similar to those currently in place on flights to the UK,” the spokesman said.
“We would ask our guests to allow extra time at Abu Dhabi International airport so the additional security procedures can be carried out. Safety and security remains our utmost priority.”
The new rules do not affect Etihad Airways’ flights leaving Australia to Abu Dhabi and beyond, the airline’s spokesman added.
On Friday, Australia announced the increased security checks that will hit passengers flying directly to Australia from Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The airlines affected are Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
Dubai-based Emirates, which recently said it was mulling loaning laptops to passengers because of the US ban on devices larger than a smartphone in passengers’ carry-on luggage, was not available for comment on Australia’s directive.
Britain and the US banned laptops and tablet computers in cabins on flights from some countries in the Middle East and North Africa earlier this month, citing fears of attacks.
“Explosive detection screening will be conducted for randomly selected passengers and their baggage. Checks may also include targeted screening of electronic devices,” Australian transport minister Darren Chester said.
“Our changes are in line with the UK, which recently announced that people travelling from Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be subject to random explosive trace detection screening.
“There is no ban on the carriage of electronic devices on flights to Australia at this stage.”
Mr Chester said there was “no specific threat to Australia”.
“In response to national security advice, the federal government has made precautionary changes and instructed airlines to implement new protocols from next week.”
US officials said their measure was intended to thwart possible attacks on airliners with small explosive devices hidden in consumer electronics.
The US ban affects nine airlines from eight countries – the UAE, Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Etihad Airways has offered passengers in business and first class free iPads in response to the US ban.
The airline said free Wi-Fi and iPads are now available on request and can be charged up at each seat.
A similar ban has also begun on flights out of Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Lebanon to the UK, although this does not affect UAE airports.
rruiz@thenational.ae
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse
