Malcolm Turnbull says government considering laptop ban on international flights


MALCOLM Turnbull has confirmed the federal government is considering a ban on laptops on international flights coming into Australia.

The UK and US have already banned passengers from taking any electronic devices bigger than mobile phones in cabins on flights amid concerns terrorists may be able to smuggle bombs inside them.

The ban was on flights from certain Middle East and African countries only but US security agencies are reportedly planning to widen the ban to include flights from Europe.

The Prime Minister confirmed today Australia had been in discussions with other nations about the laptop ban.

The government is aware of the changes that have been made and ... we are looking at it very closely,” Mr. Turnbull told reporters in Adelaide today.

He said the government was taking into account information and advice from partners internationally.

We are working very closely with our partners, and in due course, any announcements will be made formally through the Transport Minister,” he said.



Citing security sources, the Independent reported the British Government’s decision to ban laptop computers and tablets on board flights from the Middle East follows information that came from specific intelligence reports, however Downing Street officials have refused to discuss any specific terrorist plot.

According to the ABC, US security officers felt the same way, with one official saying:
The US government is concerned about terrorists’ ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years.”

Jihadist group Al-Shabaab last year claimed responsibility for a purported bomb attack on a passenger plane in Somalia, smuggling an explosive-filled laptop on a flight out of Mogadishu. The bomb blew a hole in the side of the passenger cabin, but did not bring down the plane.

The Independent reported the new ban came amid warnings ISIS could move into “insurgency mode” with the loss of key strongholds across Iraq and Syria, which could potentially lead it to incite terror attacks abroad rather than on home soil.

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