Emirates to implement new U.S. travel security measures 'as soon as possible'

Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, said on Thursday it would work with authorities to implement new security measures on flights to the United States "as soon as possible."

U.S. authorities want increased security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas, expanded canine screening and additional places where travellers can be cleared by U.S. officials before they depart.

The enhanced security measures for flights to the country were designed to avoid expanding an in-cabin ban on laptops.

"We welcome the US Department of Homeland Security's latest directive on enhanced screening measures. Lifting the ban on bringing laptops and other personal electronic devices onboard will be good news for travellers flying into the U.S.," an Emirates spokeswoman told Reuters in a statement.

"We look forward to working with the authorities and Dubai airport stakeholders to implement these measures as soon as possible for our US flights."

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)