U.S. to Ban Laptops in All Cabins of Flights From Europe, Officials Say
The Department of Homeland Security plans to ban laptops in the cabins of all flights from Europe to the United States, European security officials told The Daily Beast. The announcement is expected today.
Initially a ban on laptops and tablets was applied only to U.S.-bound flights from 10 airports in North Africa and the Middle East. The ban was based on U.S. fears that terrorists have found a way to convert laptops into bombs capable of bringing down an airplane. It is unclear if the European ban will also apply to tablets.
DHS said in a statement to The Daily Beast: “No final decisions have been made on expanding the restriction on large electronic devices in aircraft cabins; however, it is under consideration. DHS continues to evaluate the threat environment and will make changes when necessary to keep air travelers safe.”
An official with a major U.S. airline told Skift that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has briefed carriers on possible plans. But the official said late Wednesday that U.S. airlines had not been told when, or even if, a ban would be implemented.
