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Etihad flight diverted over smoke from passenger's tablet

Dubai - The flight to Washington DC was diverted to Dublin.

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An Etihad Airways flight en route to Washington DC made a diversion on Monday after smoke emanated from a passenger's tablet.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said in a statement that the aircraft landed safely and the device was removed before the aircraft took off to its destination.

"Etihad Airways flight EY131 operating from Abu Dhabi to Washington, DC, on September 16 has diverted to Dublin as a precaution due to smoke emanating from a guest's tablet device. The situation was managed swiftly by the crew and the aircraft landed safely in Dublin, where the device will be removed before the flight continues to its destination," the spokesperson said in a statement to Khaleej Times.

The UAE carriers -- Etihad, Emirates and flydubai -- earlier this month banned passengers from carrying Apple's MacBook Pro laptop computers in checked luggage as part of safety-related measures.

"Guests may still carry MacBook Pro laptops on flights, but only in cabin baggage. The laptops subject to the manufacturer's recall must remain switched off throughout the flight. Charging of the devices will not be permitted in flight," Etihad said in an earlier statement.

Etihad Cargo has also banned the bulk shipment of these computers.

Dubai-based Emirates had also banned the carrying of a certain model of MacBook Pro computers in both checked and carry-on luggage.

Joining Emirates and Etihad, flydubai had also banned a certain model of Macbook Pro laptops in both checked and carry-on luggage.

Etihad spokesperson said safety and comfort of guests and crew is its top priority. "We regret any discomfort or inconvenience caused by this necessary diversion," said the statement.

waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com

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• Abu Dhabi