The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering extending its ban on large electronic devices to flights coming from Europe into the US.
Back in March, the US announced laptop restrictions on flights originating from ten airports including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey due to fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken onto aircrafts.
Britain followed suit shortly after with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes.
Donald Trump’s administration now seems likely to extend the ban even further affecting flights coming from European airports.
No final decisions made on expanding the restriction on large electronic devices in aircraft cabins; however, it is under consideration 1/2
— David Lapan (@SpoxDHS) May 10, 2017
The Department of Homeland Security is in the process of reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair. Officials from the DHS are planing to meet with airline industry officials today to discuss security issues.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly is expected to give a classified briefing to senators about domestic threats and airline issues.
DHS continues to evaluate the threat environment and will make changes when necessary to keep air travelers safe. 2/2
— David Lapan (@SpoxDHS) May 10, 2017
A spokesperson for the DHS, Dave Lapan said that Kelly "hasn't made a decision but we continue to evaluate the threat environment and have engaged in discussions with airline representatives and other stakeholders about the threat."
European regulators have warned that placing what could be potentially hundreds of devices in the hold on long-haul flights could compromise safety by increasing the risk of fire from poorly deactivated lithium-ion batteries.
