DUBAI, UAE – Dubai-based airline Emirates has imposed a ban on pagers and walkie-talkies aboard its flights following a series of sabotage attacks in Lebanon, heightening security measures as tensions in the region escalate.
The airline also announced extended flight cancellations to several Middle Eastern destinations due to the ongoing conflict.
“All passengers traveling on flights to, from, or via Dubai are now prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies in their checked or cabin baggage,” Emirates said in a statement issued Friday.
The decision comes weeks after communication devices rigged with explosives, allegedly linked to Hezbollah, detonated in Lebanon, leaving 37 people dead and nearly 3,000 wounded.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, has blamed Israel for the attacks.
Emirates clarified that any such devices discovered in luggage would be confiscated by Dubai Police. “Items found in hand luggage or checked baggage will be seized,” the airline warned.
In addition to the heightened security restrictions, Emirates has extended its suspension of flights to Iraq and Iran until Tuesday, as the region grapples with the fallout of a significant Iranian missile attack on Israel earlier in the week.
The airline also stated that flights to Jordan, which had been temporarily halted, will resume on Sunday.
However, flights to Lebanon will remain suspended until at least October 15 as Israel intensifies strikes in the country, including areas near Beirut’s international airport.
Several other airlines have similarly suspended routes to Beirut and other conflict-affected Middle Eastern airports amid the ongoing hostilities.
The escalation of violence and resulting disruptions continue to affect air travel across the region, as airlines prioritize safety and monitor developments.
The airline also announced extended flight cancellations to several Middle Eastern destinations due to the ongoing conflict.
“All passengers traveling on flights to, from, or via Dubai are now prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies in their checked or cabin baggage,” Emirates said in a statement issued Friday.
The decision comes weeks after communication devices rigged with explosives, allegedly linked to Hezbollah, detonated in Lebanon, leaving 37 people dead and nearly 3,000 wounded.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, has blamed Israel for the attacks.
Emirates clarified that any such devices discovered in luggage would be confiscated by Dubai Police. “Items found in hand luggage or checked baggage will be seized,” the airline warned.
In addition to the heightened security restrictions, Emirates has extended its suspension of flights to Iraq and Iran until Tuesday, as the region grapples with the fallout of a significant Iranian missile attack on Israel earlier in the week.
The airline also stated that flights to Jordan, which had been temporarily halted, will resume on Sunday.
However, flights to Lebanon will remain suspended until at least October 15 as Israel intensifies strikes in the country, including areas near Beirut’s international airport.
Several other airlines have similarly suspended routes to Beirut and other conflict-affected Middle Eastern airports amid the ongoing hostilities.
The escalation of violence and resulting disruptions continue to affect air travel across the region, as airlines prioritize safety and monitor developments.
