Two weeks after the Trump administration weighed expanding the ban on large electronic devices to U.S.-bound flights from the United Kingdom, European security officials say that a similar restriction is likely to be applied to all flights from Europe to the United States.
Officials indicate the measure is under active consideration, while U.S. authorities are reviewing procedures to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires when devices are placed in checked cargo. Ensuring batteries do not ignite or cause secondary damage in the hold remains a key safety concern before any broad expansion is implemented.
“No final decisions have been made on expanding the restriction on large electronic devices in aircraft cabins; however, it is under consideration,” the Department of Homeland Security said. “DHS continues to evaluate the threat environment and will make changes when necessary to keep air travelers safe.”
The original restriction, introduced in March, was prompted by intelligence indicating terrorists might hide explosive devices inside laptops, tablets and other large electronics. That policy applied to flights from 10 airports across the Middle East and North Africa, and the United Kingdom put a comparable ban in place soon afterward.
Airlines currently affected by the U.S. restriction include Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egyptair, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways. These carriers operate routes that were identified in the initial threat assessment and remain subject to the cabin-device limitation.
European airports and airlines have been preparing for the possibility of an expanded ban since the U.S. policy was first announced in March. Carriers and ground handlers are assessing operational changes, baggage handling procedures and passenger communication strategies to reduce disruption while maintaining safety standards.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported at least 33 incidents last year in which electronic devices caused fire emergencies in the cabin during flights, underscoring regulators’ concerns about battery-related fire risks. That operational data is part of the broader safety review that influences both security-driven and safety-driven restrictions on device carriage.
If an expansion to flights from Europe is finalized, regulators will need to balance security imperatives with passenger convenience and airline operations. Any new guidance would likely include details on device size limits permitted in the cabin, requirements for carry-on versus checked transport, and recommended packaging or battery precautions to reduce fire risk.
Air travelers should follow announcements from airlines and aviation authorities closely. Until an official decision is published, passengers flying to the U.S. from Europe should prepare for the possibility of altered carry-on rules and consider options for protecting or transporting their electronic devices in ways that meet both security checks and safety standards.