The proposals, which will expand the States’ current ban on most large carry-on electronic device from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa, will include restrictions on flights to a number of European countries as well.

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security have reportedly discussed the advantages of expanding the restrictions against the disruptions it could cause.

White House officials have met with US airlines on a weekly basis for talks on the issue, with a decision expected in the next few weeks.

The US Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) said: “We have mot made any decisions on expanding the electronics ban.

“However, we are continuously assessing security directives based on intelligence and will make changes when necessary to keep travellers safe.”

Since the initial electronics ban was announced in March, Homeland Security officials have kept the policy under review, including the possibility of an expansion to other countries.

However, TSA officials have reportedly indicated that an expansion of the policy could cause outcry from business travellers, who may refuse to fly if they are unable to work onboard.

A laptop ban has been in discussion for well over a year, according to reports, after a suicide bomber blew a hole in the side of a Somali airliner and forced the jet to make an emergency landing last February.

An investigation into the bombing concluded that the explosive could have been planted in a laptop, sparking discussion among governments about prohibiting their use onboard commercial flights.

However, security officials have expressed concerns about the large amounts of sensitive information that would be left vulnerable in checked bags.

A steep increase in lithium-ion batteries, which are already subject to restrictions on commercial airliners, has also caused concern among government officials.

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