A few months ago, an electronics ban was implemented on flights going to the United States, affecting several countries and airlines - mostly in the Middle East and North Africa. It seems as though the ban's lifetime may have ended for one airline. 

On Sunday, Etihad Airways announced that it has officially been cleared to lift the electronics ban on board to all flights to the United States departing from Abu Dhabi.

The decision came into effect after approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as certain screening standards were met.

"Effective immediately, the removal of the restrictions allows passengers flying to the US to carry all laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices onto the aircraft, subject to enhanced security measures,” Etihad said, according to Gulf News.

Looser security for Etihad has much to do with the Preclearence facility at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection located inside the Abu Dhabi airport, according to USA Today.

The facility - which subjects travelers to immigration reviews before boarding the flight - is positioned in 15 locations globally. 

Etihad Airways is one of the first airlines to meet - and get approval - of the short-term security requirements proposed by the Transportation Security Administration. 

John Kelly, the secretary of Homeland Security, urged airports to join the Preclearence program.

The UAE-based airline currently operates 45 flights a week between Abu Dhabi and six cities across the U.S. - including New York, Washington, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

The electronics ban was first implemented in March, being described as an anti-terrorism precautionary measure at the time. 

Laptops and other electronic devices larger than a mobile phone were no longer permitted as carry-on luggage on flights departing from certain countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. 

Hopefully, other airports and airlines will follow Etihad's lead.

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