06/08/2017

DHS Still Considering Laptop Ban on Inbound Flights

U.S. authorities have been discussing aviation security concerns with their European Union counterparts

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary John Kelly told Congress on June 7 that the administration is still considering banning laptop computers and other larger electronics from the cabins of inbound flights from 71 airports worldwide.

The DHS cited security concerns in announcing a new policy in March prohibiting large electronics from being carried on board U.S.-bound flights from 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa.

“We are looking right now at an additional 71 airports,” Kelly said during a Homeland Security Committee hearing this week. “We’re also looking at ways that we think we can mitigate the threat” without expanding the laptop ban.

U.S. authorities have been discussing aviation security concerns with their European Union counterparts for weeks and ultimately decided not to expand the laptop ban to inbound flights from Europe for now. Kelly confirmed, however, that the possible expansion is still on the table.

“The threat to aviation security remains high, and criminals and terrorists continue to target airlines and airports,” Kelly told lawmakers. “We must continue to improve how we screen the belongings of travelers and cargo.”

This article was provided to OSAE by The Power of A and ASAE's Inroads.