USA TODAY International Edition
Extended laptop ban still in play, DHS says
Homeland Security will still consider a ban on large electronics, including laptops, in the cabins of European flights, the Trump administration said Tuesday as it refuted a report such a measure no longer was in play.
Politico reported Tuesday, based on comments from an unnamed European Commission official, that the U. S. had decided against expanding the ban. The report came after a call between U. S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc and European Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos, the news organization said.
But David Lapan, a spokesman for Homeland Security, called the report “absolutely wrong.” Lapan said the call covered three issues: raising the bar for aviation security, working together to secure global aviation and maintaining clear lines of communication.
Homeland Security in March banned laptops and other electronics larger than cellphones in carry- on bags on flights originating from 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa. The ban affected about 50 daily flights. Kelly has said he would consider expanding the order to include Europe, which would affect nearly 400 more daily flights carrying up to 65 million people a year.
“The secretary made it clear that the expansion is still on the table,” Lapan said. “Secretary Kelly affirmed he will implement any and all measures necessary to secure commercial aircraft flying to the United States — including prohibiting large electronic devices from the passenger cabin — if the intelligence and threat level warrant it.”
The European Commission said Bulc and Avramopoulos’ conversation with Kelly was constructive, and the U. S. made no announcement about the ban during the call.