Global airlines group urges alternatives to extending ban on electronics devices
BERLIN (Reuters) – A global airlines group urged governments on Wednesday to look for alternatives to extending a cabin ban on large electronics devices, saying such a move could cost passengers about $1.1 billion a year and create new safety risks.
US and EU officials were due to meet later on Wednesday to discuss aviation security, with the US Department of Homeland Security having said an extension of the ban, which currently affects flights from the Middle East and North Africa, was likely.
Airlines, airports and pilots groups have raised concerns over the possible disruption and fire risks of placing large numbers of devices with lithium-ion batteries in the luggage hold. EU officials have also asked the US to share its intelligence, saying they do not see evidence for restrictions.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 265 airlines, said while current restrictions on laptops in cabins on flights from the Middle East and North Africa affect 350 flights a week, some 390 flights a day would be impacted if it was extended to European airports.
Using its own data and that of the US Federal Aviation Administration, IATA estimated extending the ban would cost passengers $655 million a year in loss of productive time, $216m. in longer travel and $195m. in reduced well-being.
Airports association ACI Europe said 60% to 90% of passengers using European airports were estimated to carry larger electronics devices, and any extension of restrictions would require a big increase in security staff at airports.
Deploying extra staff would take time because they would need to be trained and get security clearance.
Any extension of the ban could affect US and European airlines such as United, Delta, American Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways and Air FranceKLM.
Transatlantic flights are among the most lucrative for airlines because they can sell premium seats to business travelers.
The European airports that have the most flights to the US are London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol and Dublin, ACI Europe said.