Laptop ban down under?

THE Federal Government is considering implementing its own laptop ban, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed yesterday in South Australia.

Turnbull said the Government was aware of the changes made around the world and in due course an announcement would made by the Transport Minister.

“We are looking at it very closely, taking into account all the information and advice we are receiving internationally and working very closely with our partners,” he said.

Turnbull’s comments came after reports emerged US President Donald Trump had told Russian officials about an Islamic State terrorist threat linked to the use of laptops on aircraft.

Federal Transport Minister Darren Chester yesterday said “the government continuously monitors shifts in the threat environment domestically and overseas to ensure we have the best security arrangements in place to meet the challenges we face.”

Currently the United States and the United Kingdom ban passengers from bringing laptop computers into the cabin on certain international flights from the Middle East and North Africa.

The rule had caused a decline in travel on certain airlines, most notably Emirates ( TD 20 Apr).

At the moment it is unclear what the countries an Australian laptop restriction would target.

A Qantas spokesman told Fairfax the airline was monitoring the issue and that QF was in regular contact with the government and regulators.

MEANWHILE, the European Union has pressed the US to refrain from banning laptops and other electronics in cabins of flights from Europe, saying both sides needed to work together to curb the threat of terrorism.

The call comes a day before European & US officials will meet in Brussels to discuss possible plans by the US to expand the policy to Europe flights.

Airports Council International said a ban could affect up to 3,684 flights weekly to the US from 59 European airports.