Laptop ban lifted on Emirates, Turkish Airlines flights

The new security mandate went into effect last week.

— -- U.S.-bound passengers on Emirates and Turkish Airlines flights are allowed to use their laptops and other larger personal electronic devices in the cabin, the Transportation Security Administration announced today.

TSA spokesperson David Lapan congratulated Etihad Airlines earlier in the week for “swift security changes,” allowing the personal electronic device ban to be lifted on the airline.

If carriers or airports do not comply with the directive, DHS will ban passengers on those flights from transporting personal electronic devices. DHS could also ban carriers from flying into the U.S. entirely, officials warned.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly previously expressed the need to improve aviation security as terrorist threats continue to target commercial flights.

"We cannot play international whack-a-mole with each new threat," Kelly said. "Instead, we must put in place new measures across the board to keep the traveling public safe and make it harder for terrorists to succeed."