Etihad's Hub Seeks Edge on Gulf Rivals on Eased U.S. Laptop Ban

Abu Dhabi is seeking an air-transport edge over its Persian Gulf neighbors after becoming the region’s first hub to be exempt from a ban on electronic devices in cabins of planes flying to the U.S.

Abu Dhabi International Airport won the go-ahead to let passengers carry devices such as tablets or laptops aboard their flights after U.S. Transportation Security Administration officials assessed enhanced security procedures in a two-hour check late Saturday, Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, acting chief executive officer of the airport’s parent company, said in a phone interview. Being home to the Middle East’s only U.S. customs pre-clearance facility was the main reason for the airport to get approval, and traffic is likely to increase as travelers in the region route their U.S. trips via the emirate, Al Khoori said.