Reinforcing security has paid off for nine out of the 10 African and Middle Eastern airports affected by the laptop ban on U.S.-bound flights as of Monday.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) approved the security measures put forth by most airports on the laptop ban list, which required passengers to check any electronics larger than a mobile phone. The last airport remaining, King Khalid International Airport (RUH), is expected to be on the approved list this week after security measures have been verified, according to the agency.
Since March, when the ban went into effect, airlines, and the airports associated with them, improved security measures per the requirements given by DHS. Earlier this month, Etihad Airways was the first approved for its passengers to again bring laptops on-board.
Lisa Farbstein, the Transportation Security Administration spokeswoman, said that TSA will oversee and observe “compliance at the location.”
DHS has also said if airlines do not upgrade security, new restrictions could be implemented. Upgraded security means enhanced passenger screening at international airports overseas, along with improved and increased explosive-trace-detection screening. Other security measures have a 120-day deadline.
“As we look to stay ahead of the evolving threats, we’ll be working with global aviation stakeholders to expand security measures even further,” Farbstein told Reuters.
