US likely to expand airline laptop ban to Europe

WASHINGTON - The US government is likely to expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries, but is reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair, officials said on Wednesday.

Any expansion of the ban could impact US carriers such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc and American Airlines Group. Six US and European officials said they expect the US Department of Homeland Security to make an announcement but declined to say when.

In March, the United States announced laptop restrictions on flights originating from 10 airports from countries including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, because of fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken onto aircraft.

The United Kingdom quickly followed suit with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes. .

Some US airlines have been making plans in the event of an order to require them to bar passengers from traveling to the US without larger electronics in the cabin, airline officials briefed on the matter said.

The US laptop ban and on other electronic devices larger than cellphones has affected direct flights to the US by Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

One issue under discussion is how to ensure that lithium batteries in any large collection of devices stored in airplane holds do not explode in midair, officials said.

Reuters - Xinhua