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Emirates to reduce flights to US amid tighter visa and security measures

The Dubai-based airline said that it would cut services to five US cities – Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando, Seattle, and Fort Lauderdale – starting from next month
The Dubai-based airline said that it would cut services to five US cities – Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando, Seattle, and Fort Lauderdale – starting from next month

Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, has said it will reduce flights to the United States after tightened visa and security measures under President Donald Trump hit demand.

The Dubai-based airline said that it would cut services to five US cities – Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando, Seattle, and Fort Lauderdale – starting from next month.

"This is a commercial decision in response to weakened travel demand to US," a spokesperson for the carrier said in a statement.

"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," it added.

Travellers have expressed frustration at a carry-on ban on large electronic devices that took effect last month on US-bound flights mostly from the Middle East and North Africa.

It followed an attempt by Mr Trump to impose a travel ban on refugees and on travellers from six Muslim-majority nations.