American plans to extend a ban on carrying laptops on to transatlantic aircraft were mired in confusion last night with Washington denying reports from Brussels that the plans had been scrapped.

An announcement of an extended ban had been considered imminent and was expected following a call between John Kelly, the Homeland Security Secretary, and European Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos and Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc.

The EU and aviation industry have long opposed proposals to extend the ban on laptops and other large items, including iPads and e-readers, which is already in force on flights to the US from 10 African and Middle Eastern airports.

With no ban being announced, EU officials said that the proposals were off the table, suggesting that Washington had backed down.