Trump administration considers laptop ban for European flights

European passengers travelling to the US may face a ban on bringing their laptops on board as Donald Trump weighs up plans to restrict the use of computers on flights from Europe.

The US administration has already implemented a similar ban on electronic devices on passengers travelling from a number of airports in the Middle East, with anything larger than a smartphone having to be kept in the hold during the flight.

Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were the states affected by the electronics ban. Theresa May's government introduced a similar ban affecting six countries shortly after Trump's administration did.

Several reports suggest that the ban will be extended to European flights including those from the UK within the next month, according to reports, as Trump cites security reasons for the restrictions.

While it is not certain that flights from Britain will be included in the new ban, The Times newspaper was told the White House is said to be considering it as an option despite its impending departure from the European Union.

Trump faced criticism for the introduction of a travel ban earlier this year which would have denied access to the country for countries from seven majority Muslim states, but US courts blocked the decision.

International business could suffer as a result of any extension of the electronics ban, according to Mark Jenkinson, director of bespoke air charter firm, Hunt and Palmer.

"A broadening of the laptop ban away from select high-threat countries has the potential to 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," Jenkinson commented.

"For business people 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."