New Zealand considering a laptop ban for travellers

New Zealand is considering restrictions on laptops and other large electronic devices on flights from some Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East, the country's prime minister said Monday. The new rules would follow similar measures introduced last month by the United States, Britain, and Australia.<br/>The New Zealand leader elaborated on comments made by transport minister Simon Bridges, who said Sunday that the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) "is assessing the evidence to determine what is appropriate." PM Bill English said that the aviation agency was considering the issue and would make a decision on whether to restrict large electronic items on flights from the Middle East independently of the government. "A number of our security partners put those arrangements in place. With this particular proposition there's a balance between inconvenience for passengers, many of whom live off their laptop on the one hand, but on the other hand it’s making sure that the flying is safe," English said.<br/>