The U.S. Department of Homeland Security lifted the laptop ban imposed on passengers traveling from 10 majority-Muslim countries.

The ban was gradually eased over the past few weeks, with some countries becoming exempt from the restrictions. The ban launched in March, forbidding all passengers flying to the United States from 10 ten Middle Eastern airports from carrying electronic devices larger than a smartphone in the cabin. The ban largely extended to laptops, which had to be checked.

The ban came under significant scrutiny, especially from the International Air Transport Association and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives.

“We are heartened to hear that the Trump administration has finally ended its laptop ban. This is one less burdensome regulation business travellers — and tourists — must grapple with as they plan their future travel,” said Greeley Koch, executive director, ACTE. “The policy was insufficient as a standalone measure to address very real ongoing security threats, and did not take into account the need for travellers to maintain connectivity and productivity, especially for long intercontinental flights where being off the grid can lead to business interruption.

“We’re happy to see the administration demonstrate flexibility and recognition of the important strides the global airline industry has made towards safer travel. That being said, there remain other travel policies that continue to leave questions unanswered; namely, the immigration ban introduced earlier this year.

“We’d hope that the Trump administration would seriously reconsider such policies, as well, and focus their resources and efforts on developing enhanced screening techniques and technologies that better serve travellers and provide the comprehensive security we need.”