Australia consulting closely on electronics ban

The Australian Government says it is consulting with the US and other governments about the carriage of laptops and other large electronic devices in aircraft cabins and will move on the issue if necessary. The comments come as media reports from the US indicate the Trump Administration is looking at extending the ban to US-bound non-stop flights from countries in Europe, although there has been no confirmation of a policy change. US officials are worried a laptop or similar device packed with explosives could be used to bring down an aircraft and the US Department of Homeland Security confirmed on Wednesday that a wider ban was under consideration. The Wall Street Journal reported a meeting between US carriers and DHS officials on Thursday did not result in a decision and a department spokesman told the newspaper there was no specific timeline for a policy change. However, multiple sources have told US media outlets a change is imminent and airports and airlines in Europe have confirmed they are looking at contingency plans. The move in March to ban electronic devices bigger than a smartphone from the cabins of aircraft flying directly to the US from certain Middle Eastern and North African destinations proved controversial. Suggestions the ban may be widened have already prompted concerns about airport log-jams in the busy northern summer season and rekindled worries about lithium batteries in aircraft holds. Britain followed the US move for some destinations but exempted Gulf states Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, the homes of Qatar, Etihad and Emirates. Australian opted not to adopt the US policy but demanded that security procedures in Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai be tightened to include random explosive testing. Transport Minister Darren Chester said Friday he was aware of the media speculation that the US might expand its electronics ban to US-bound direct flights from Europe. “The Government is in close consultation with other governments and industry partners, including the US, on this issue,’’ he said “In the event that it is assessed that Australia needs to take further or different measures, we will do so.’’ Chester said ensuring the safety and security of Australia’s travelling public was a priority for the government, which had “a comprehensive and strong transport security system in place”. “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,’’ he said.