U.S. laptop ban lifted for Saudi Arabian Airlines

July 20 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabian Airlines, or Saudia, said the U.S.-imposed laptop ban in cabins affecting direct flights from the country to the United States has been removed.

Saudia, which has flights to Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C., made the announcement on Wednesday.

"King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh have completed inspection and clearance has been granted by the United States Department of Homeland Security to permit portable electronic devices on board flights to the United States," Saudia said in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security began imposing bans targeting electronics in March, citing that intelligence threats that large electronics such as laptops and tablets could be used to conceal explosives.

The electronics ban has already been lifted in several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan and Turkey.

"Saudi Arabian Airlines, the national and sole carrier operating direct flights between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, informs all its guests that portable electronic devices may now be carried onboard and accessed throughout the flight," Saudia added.