Emirates passengers affected by a security ban on electronic devices larger than smart phones will be able to work on laptops or tablets right up until boarding time‚ before being made to part with them.

The airline’s president‚ Sir Tim Clark‚ said on Thursday that Emirates was “working on a solution” to make it possible for passengers on flights out of South African cities to the US via Dubai to keep their “cabin banned” electronic devices with them until the last minute.

“These will then be stowed in the cargo hold and returned to the passengers when the flight lands in the US‚” Clark said.

“It will mean our passengers‚ particularly those travelling in the premium cabins or flying for business‚ can still work on their devices while enjoying our lounges at Dubai airport.

“And once on board they can still stay connected on their mobile phones.”

Emirates offers its passengers wi-fi on international flights.

The new security measures follow intelligence gathered that indicates terrorists were working on ways to smuggle explosives on to aircraft by hiding them in electronics.

The on-board electronic devices ban applies to flights landing in the US from Saturday — in other words those departing from South Africa on Friday.

“We are informing affected customers and co-ordinating with the various airport stakeholders‚” Clark said.

“Emirates will deploy extra staff at the airports to ease and assist passengers‚ especially in the first days of the new rules taking effect. “Our aim is to ensure compliance with the new rules‚ while minimising disruption to passenger flow and impact on customer experience.”

As for the impact on the airline in the wake of speculation that many passengers will avoid flying via the targeted countries‚ Clark said Emirates was highly resilient.

“Yes‚ this new security measure is disruptive and operationally challenging in several regards‚ but I am optimistic we will get through this.”

— TMG Digital