IATA bemoans lack of coordination, alternatives to laptop ban

A lack of coordination with the industry by the US has caused air traffic to be affected negatively, says IATA’s Nick Careen at IATA’s 73rd Annual General Meeting in Cancun, Mexico. “There was a lack of information sharing which has caused post-implementation issues to emerge including concerns over lithium battery devices in the hold which pose a safety risk,” says IATA’s SVP of airport, cargo and passenger security. “That’s not to say we don’t collaborate extensively with regulators and stakeholders. The flow of passenger movement at the level today would not be possible if we didn’t,” says Careen. “Countries will react the way they deem fit if they have to. We’re just trying to encourage greater collaboration.” The US Department of Homeland security instated a personal electronic device ban on flights out of 10 Middle East airports including Dubai and Doha in March. Impact from that ban has caused traffic volumes to fall on flights to North America from the Middle East for the first time since IATA began measuring the flow. Middle East airports have claimed the ban affects them discriminately, despite topping ICAO’s ranking of the most secure airports in the world. The ban has also taken its toll on regional airlines. Emirates announced in May that it would cut back on routes to the country, while Qatar Airways has also slowed plans to expand routes to the country. The US DHS has indicated it could extend the ban imposed to other airports around the world including Europe but has held off on marking any formal decisions as discussion with regional governments and security and aviation agencies take place. Taking a pause like the DHS has is an indication that they want to work with us now,” he says.