US President Donald Trump’s administration is likely to expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries.
It is also reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair, officials briefed on the matter said.
US Department of Homeland Security officials plan to meet with airline industry officials today to discuss security issues.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will also give a classified briefing to senators about domestic threats and airline issues are expected to be discussed.
In March, the US announced laptop restrictions on flights originating from ten airports including in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey because of fears that a concealed bomb could be installed in electronic devices taken onto aircraft.
Britain quickly followed suit with restrictions on a slightly different set of routes.
Ireland did not initiate any restrictions.
One European official acknowledged that the expanded ban could affect flights to the US from Britain.
DHS spokesman Dave Lapan said Kelly "hasn't made a decision but we continue to evaluate the threat environment and have engaged in discussions with airline representatives and other stakeholders about the threat."
Some US airlines have been making plans in the event of an order to require them to bar passengers from traveling to the US without larger electronics in the cabin, airline officials said.
One issue under discussion is how to ensure that lithium batteries in any large collection of devices stored in airplane holds do not explode in midair, officials told Reuters.
European regulators have warned placing what could be potentially hundreds of devices in the hold on long-haul flights could compromise safety by increasing the risk of fire from poorly deactivated lithium-ion batteries.
