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Random 'explosive' screenings on Australia flights from UAE

Dubai - Passengers from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha would be randomly selected at the gate for additional screenings starting April 6.

UAE passengers flying to Australia will be subjected to random screenings for explosives following a call on increased safety measures on flights from the Middle East.
The Australian Transport Minister, Darren Chester, said that passengers from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha would be randomly selected at the gate for additional screenings starting April 6.
The announcement comes shortly after the US and UK announced an electronics ban on flights from the Middle East and African region. Though, UAE is not included in UK's list.
Australia is not banning any electronics onboard flights, however, passengers will be selected at random for explosive detection screenings and their baggage will be searched as well.
Chester said in a press release:  "In response to national security advice the Federal Government has made precautionary changes and instructed airlines to implement new protocols from next week.
"Explosive detection screening will be conducted for randomly selected passengers and their baggage. Checks may also include targeted screening of electronic devices.
"Our changes are in line with the UK, which recently announced that people travelling from Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai will be subject to random explosive trace detection (ETD) screening. There is no ban on the carriage of electronic devices on flights to Australia at this stage.
"The affected airlines are Qantas Airways, Etihad Airways (including Virgin Australia code share passengers), Emirates, and Qatar Airways, all of which already have gate screening measures for passengers boarding Australia-bound flights to enforce our liquids, aerosols and gels restrictions."
Emirates Airlines also confirmed the new measures with Khaleej Times. A spokesperson with the airline said that they have received new guidelines from the Australian government.
"Our flights to Australia will be subject to reinforced security measures starting 6 April. The new directive requires additional screening at the gate, but there is no restriction on electronic devices. Passengers travelling from Dubai International Airport to Australia should allow additional time at the gate," An Emirates spokesperson said.
An Etihad Airways' spokesperson said: "Following a directive from the Australian government, flights arriving in Australia from certain countries, including the UAE, will be subject to enhanced security screening from April 6, 2017.
"The new measures are similar to those currently in place on flights to the UK.
"We would ask our guests to allow extra time at Abu Dhabi International airport so the additional security procedures can be carried out. The new rules do not affect Etihad Airways' flights leaving Australia to Abu Dhabi and beyond."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com