Flights From Europe Will Not Be Included in the Electronics Ban
Update 5/18/17: The Department of Homeland Security has released a statement concerning the expansion of an electronics ban:
Earlier this week, we reported that officials representing both the United States and the European Union would meet to discuss the possibility of extending the electronics ban to US-bound flights originating in Europe. After a meeting that lasted several hours today in Brussels, it was decided that the electronics ban will not be expanded to include flights from Europe, however officials did say that 'other measures were still being considered.'
Last week, reports claimed that the Trump administration would likely expand the ban to include these flights — it even seemed to be more of a 'when, not if' situation after signs were posted in Delta's terminal in Cincinnati (CVG) saying passengers would only be allowed to carry on their cell phones on flights coming back to the US.
The US government believes that terrorists have the ability to hide explosives within larger electronic devices such as laptops or tablets, which could then be detonated on board an aircraft. The EU, however, has said that checking devices equipped with lithium-ion batteries could pose an even greater threat to passenger safety due to their flammability.
The electronics ban was originally implemented in March and currently affects 9 carriers and 10 Middle Eastern and African airports. The UK implemented a similar moratorium shortly after the US announcement. Stay tuned to TPG for the latest on electronics ban developments.
H/T: BBC
