Additional screening for US-bound flights from Dubai

Passengers heading to the US from Dubai will begin facing stricter security measures from Thursday, October 26, Emirates airline has confirmed.

“Emirates can confirm that following new security guidelines received from the US government, our flights to the USA will be subject to further, enhanced security screening measures starting October 26th, 2017,” an airline spokesperson said.

“The new directive requires passenger pre-screening interviews at the check-in counter for originating passengers and at the boarding gate for transfer and transit passengers.

“These measures will work in complement with the current additional screening measures conducted at the boarding gate (including those for electronic devices). Passengers should allow additional time to be checked-in and boarded if travelling to the USA from Dubai International Airport.”

The move comes after it was reported earlier this week that the US government plans to temporarily delay the processing of most refugees from 11 countries identified as “high-risk”.

Most of the affected countries are in the Middle East and Africa, according to documents seen by Reuters.

US officials said the changes were aimed at protecting the country’s national security.

The changes come following the conclusion of a 120-day ban on most refugees ordered by US President Donald Trump to allow a review of vetting processes.