At a briefing in Washington, The Department of Homeland Security said it planned to “raise the baseline of global aviation security” from this week, with steps being taken over the coming months. Unspecified measures could be adjusted as necessary, it said.

The clampdown will affect 280 airports in 105 countries. It will cover 2,100 daily flights and 325,000 passengers.

Airlines that do not go along with the US requirements will face a “ban on electronic devices on their airplanes, or even a suspension of their flights to the United States,” Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said.

Kelly said devices including mobile phones, laptops and tablets would be subject to “heightened screening”, but did not specify what this would mean.

Abta said the increased checks may mean longer queues for UK travellers, but added: “We don’t think this is anything new as we have not had anything officially from the US. They are usually very good at keeping us informed if anything is going to disrupt travellers.”

A spokesman for the Airport Operators Association said the UK was already well placed to deal with any extra security checks as its already has stringent processes in place.

He added: "The safety and security of our passengers and colleagues is a top priority for UK airports and we are committed to working with government, police and industry partners such as airlines to ensure that passengers’ travel experience is a safe but smooth one.

"We will work with the UK Department for Transport and other relevant authorities to implement any new measures necessary."