Emirates cuts US-bound flights due to Trump's 'Muslim ban'

Some of the first signs that Donald Trump's tough security measures could have a negative impact on tourism were seen when Emirates announced it will cut flights to the US.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

19 April, 2017

Emirates said a reduction in demand sparked the cuts of flights to the US [AFP]

The Middle East's biggest airline, Dubai-based Emirates, will cut flights to the US due to a drop in demand it says relates to President Donald Trump's so-called "Muslim ban" and other security measures.

Emirates said the cuts will affect five of its routes to 12 US destinations and will begin next month.

It called the move "a commercial decision in response to weakened travel demand", and also relates to controls on electronic devices carried by passengers travelling to the US.

Emirates' announcement comes after Donald Trump ordered a ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Syria and Yemen.

Passengers from some destinations - including Dubai, one of the world's busiest air hubs - have also been prevented from carrying laptops and other electronic devices on board flights to the US.

"The recent actions taken by the US government relating to the issuance of entry visas, heightened security vetting, and restrictions on electronic devices in aircraft cabins, have had a direct impact on consumer interest and demand for air travel into the US," the carrier said.

US bound flights from Emirates' hub in Dubai will be cut from 126 to 101.

Flights to Boston, Los Angles and Seattle will be reduced to once a day, while daily flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando will be cut to five per week.

The announcement by Emirates is an early sign that Trump's tough measures on travel from the Middle East to the US could have a negative impact on tourism.