The European Union has demanded urgent talks with the United States over a possible extension of a ban on passengers taking laptops into the cabins of commercial aircraft to include some European countries, reports Reuters. The Trump administration is considering extending the ban already applicable to flights originating from 10 airports including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey because of fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken on to aircraft.
Although no decision has yet been taken, any restrictions could hit major European carriers.
Mark Jenkinson, director of bespoke air charter firm, Hunt and Palmer, said that such a ban would both “hinder business and hit the airlines bottom line, as execs decide they cannot afford a day of time flying to the US without such a crucial business tool.”
He adds: "For businesspeople who fly regularly, not being able to have a laptop or tablet onboard when travelling to the US could wipe out an entire billable day. It’s a big cost and a cost that the major commercial airlines could ultimately be set to pay.
"If implemented, this broadening of US policy could have a profound effect on the mainstream airline industry as it disincentives businesses to travel. With the quality of video conferencing today, we could see international business spilt into a world of high quality video calls and private air charter.