The Trump administration is considering expanding the current electronic device ban to U.S.-bound flights traveling from the U.K., according to sources cited by the Guardian and other news outlets.
Last month, the U.S. began banning electronic devices larger than a smartphone-including laptops, tablets, e-readers and video games-from the cabin on flights operated by nine different airlines and 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa. The U.K. followed suit shortly thereafter with a similar ban of its own that affects six countries.
Earlier this month, U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesman David Lapan told reporters that officials were seriously considering expansion but that it wasn't imminent.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Gillian Christensen confirmed to the Guardian that no decision has been made.
"We've said we will continue to evaluate the threat environment and make determinations based on that assessment, but we have not made any decisions on expanding the current restrictions against large electronic devices in aircraft cabins from selected airports," said Christensen.
"The safety and security of the traveling public is our highest priority. We keep aviation security under constant review, but we do not comment on speculation," a U.K. Government spokesperson told the Times.
As it currently stands, the ban affects U.S.-bound travelers boarding flights from select airports in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. With the exception of medical devices, electronic items larger than a mobile phone must be stowed in checked luggage.
[READMORE] READ MORE: Qatar Airways Skirts Electronics Ban [/READMORE]
The ban was implemented after security officials obtained intelligence that some terrorist groups were planting explosives in consumer items like laptops and other electronic devices in their efforts to target aviation.
If the ban is ultimately expanded to U.S.-bound flights traveling from the U.K., it's likely that it would hurt U.S. carriers similarly to how it has already impacted Gulf carriers" They have experienced a decline in air traffic to the U.S.
Last week, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker criticized the ban, saying it was "not necessary to frighten passengers."
The ban is currently affecting approximately 15,000 passengers and 50 U.S.-bound flights per day, but that number could grow significantly depending on what the Trump administration decides.
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