Hong Kong seeks clarity on enhanced US airport security rules

Hong Kong is seeking clarity over airport security rules after, to the relief of Asian carriers, the US dropped a threat to expand its in-cabin ban on laptops and other electronic devices.

Instead, as part of its anti-terror measures, Washington has called for enhanced screening measures on all US-bound flights from overseas airports.

Passengers flying to the United States may expect airports and airlines to conduct more rigorous screening of electronic devices with technology that detects ­explosives, thereby ruling out the need for an expanded laptop ban.

The Civil Aviation Department said it was taking further advice from US authorities because an array of new technology and ­security measures was now ­required.

Failure to comply risks airports and airlines being slapped with an electronics ban or even being blacklisted by the US.