US to extend bans to EU

THE Trump administration is likely to extend laptop flight bans to European countries, US media report, potentially impacting major American and EU carriers for the first time.

The US Department of Homeland Security is said to be preparing a ruling that would add multiple European points to the existing list of Middle Eastern and North African carriers on which passengers are prevented from carrying laptops in the cabin.

Reuters reports the European Union has sought urgent talks with Washington ahead of any announcement and has asked that information on security fears be shared.

“We propose that meetings are held as a matter of urgency, both at political and technical level, to jointly assess the risk and review possible common measures,” it quotes EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc.

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) warned against any increase in restrictions, saying travellers deserved better solutions.

“Why are laptops the target of such a ban despite the United States’ investment in airport security and screening procedures?” asked ACTE executive director Greeley Koch.

“Actions taken by governments to protect the safety of their citizens shouldn’t create more questions than answers,” he said.