Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, has swiftly banned pagers and walkie-talkies from all flights to, from, or transiting through Dubai.
The decision comes after a series of deadly attacks in Lebanon, where the devices exploded, killing 37 people, including children, and injuring nearly 3,000 others.
In a statement released on Friday, October 4, Emirates declared, “All passengers traveling on flights to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage. Such items found in passengers’ hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police.”
The ban follows attacks last month where pagers and walkie-talkies detonated simultaneously across Lebanon, causing widespread devastation.
Lebanese officials have accused Israel of being behind the attacks, with a Lebanese security source revealing that explosive material was hidden within the lithium batteries of the devices, making them nearly undetectable.
The airline has also extended the cancellation of flights to and from Beirut until October 15, citing ongoing safety concerns.
“Passengers transiting through Dubai to get to Beirut will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice,” Emirates confirmed.
Additionally, Emirates announced the suspension of flights to Iraq and Iran until at least Monday, October 7, while flights to Amman, Jordan, are set to resume on Sunday, October 6.
The move comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, with Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Beirut over the weekend, leading to over 1,100 deaths and displacing more than a million people since September 23. Amid the chaos, senior Hezbollah figure Hashem Safieddine has reportedly gone missing.
Passengers have been advised to stay updated on flight statuses and adhere to the new regulations to ensure safety during this volatile period.
