Aus may ban laptops on commercial flights

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has indicated Australia may follow the lead of the United States and ban passengers from bringing laptop computers into the cabin on certain international flights.

In March, the US and United Kingdom banned laptops and other electronic devices in carry-on luggage on flight routes from several Muslim-majority countries.

At the time, the Australian Government said it had no intention of imposing a similar ban, but Turnbull has suggested the issue is still under consideration.

"We are looking at it very closely," he said. "We are taking into account all of the information and advice we're receiving internationally and we're working very closely with our partners.

"In due course, any announcements will be made formally though the Transport Minister." His comments come after reports emerged US President Donald Trump disclosed highly classified information to Russian officials about an Islamic State terrorist threat linked to the use of laptops on aircraft.

Turnbull would not comment on the reports — nor whether the same information had been shared with Australia — but said he maintained "great confidence" in the alliance with the US. "It is the bedrock of our national security and it was reinforced yet again when Mr Trump and I met in New York just a few days ago," he said.