US to up security on international flights in lieu of laptop ban

The Homeland Security Department is set to announce new security measures for international flights bound to the United States, which could lead to a lifting of a ban on laptops and other electronics in passenger cabins from certain airports.

Industry and US officials briefed on the announcement say airlines flying directly to the US will be required to implement the enhanced measures. If they don’t, their passengers may be barred from carrying laptops and other large electronics in passenger cabins.

Such a laptop ban has been in place at 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa since March amid concerns about an undisclosed threat described only as sophisticated and ongoing.

The new policy will provide a roadmap for airlines and airports that could lead to those bans being lifted.

— AP