diff --git a/ietf/meeting/helpers.py b/ietf/meeting/helpers.py
index c26a2c024..6f956220f 100644
--- a/ietf/meeting/helpers.py
+++ b/ietf/meeting/helpers.py
@@ -326,8 +326,9 @@ def can_approve_interim_request(meeting, user):
     if not session:
         return False
     group = session.group
-    if group.type.slug == 'wg' and group.parent.role_set.filter(name='ad', person=person):
-        return True
+    if group.type.slug == 'wg':
+        if group.parent.role_set.filter(name='ad', person=person) or group.role_set.filter(name='ad', person=person):
+            return True
     if group.type.slug == 'rg' and group.parent.role_set.filter(name='chair', person=person):
         return True
     return False
diff --git a/ietf/meeting/tests_views.py b/ietf/meeting/tests_views.py
index f8fef1673..a56c088e3 100644
--- a/ietf/meeting/tests_views.py
+++ b/ietf/meeting/tests_views.py
@@ -1747,9 +1747,12 @@ class InterimTests(TestCase):
         # related AD
         user = User.objects.get(username='ad')
         self.assertTrue(can_approve_interim_request(meeting=meeting,user=user))
-        # other AD
+        # AD from other area
         user = User.objects.get(username='ops-ad')
         self.assertFalse(can_approve_interim_request(meeting=meeting,user=user))
+        # AD from other area assigned as the WG AD anyhow (cross-area AD)
+        user = RoleFactory(name_id='ad',group=group).person.user
+        self.assertTrue(can_approve_interim_request(meeting=meeting,user=user))
         # WG Chair
         user = User.objects.get(username='marschairman')
         self.assertFalse(can_approve_interim_request(meeting=meeting,user=user))