Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced that passengers can now carry portable electronic devices onboard its flights to the US.

This follows clearance given to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to permit portable electronic devices (PEDs) on board flights to the US, a statement said.

Saudia is sole carrier operating direct flights between Saudi Arabia and the US.

The statement said: "Saudia extends its appreciation to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the United States Department of Homeland Security for its support and cooperation."

Saudia operates to three destinations in the United States: Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK) and Washington DC (IAD). -TradeArabia News Service