World

Jordan, Kuwait carriers lift laptop ban on U.S. flights after beefing up security

The national carriers of Jordan and Kuwait announced Sunday that passengers will once again be allowed to carry personal electronics, including laptops, on board U.S.-bound flights.

U.S. issued ban over concerns extremists could hide bombs inside laptops

In March the U.S. government announced it was banning large electronic devices in aircraft cabins on flights from 10 airports, mostly in the Middle East. (Chris Ison/Associated Press)

The national carriers of Jordan and Kuwait announced Sunday that passengers will once again be allowed to carry personal electronics, including laptops, on board U.S.-bound flights, ending a ban that had been imposed in March.

The U.S. had issued the ban over concerns Islamic State fighters and other extremists could hide bombs inside laptops. 

Royal Jordanian said Sunday it had implemented "enhanced security measures" in line with U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements. The airline did not describe the new measures.

Kuwait Airlines said the decision to lift the ban came after U.S. officials inspected the carrier's security measures.

In March, the U.S. had banned laptops from airplane cabins on direct, U.S.-bound flights from 10 cities in the Middle East and Turkey.

The original ban affected 10 airports in 8 countries. (CBC)

Several of these airlines have received clearance in recent days to lift the ban.

Royal Jordanian operates 16 weekly non-stop flights to Chicago, New York and Detroit.