In a move prompted by heightened security concerns, Dubai-based airline Emirates has banned pagers and walkie-talkies from being carried on its flights. This decision follows a series of sabotage attacks in Lebanon, where exploding communication devices linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group have been blamed on Israel.
Emirates issued a statement on its website, emphasizing the prohibition of pagers and walkie-talkies in both checked and carry-on baggage. Any such devices discovered will be confiscated by Dubai Police. The recent blasts in Lebanon, attributed to these devices, resulted in tragic casualties, claiming the lives of at least 37 individuals and injuring nearly 3,000.
The airline has also extended its suspension of flights to Iraq and Iran until Tuesday. These cancellations were initially announced after a significant Iranian attack on Israel this week, involving missiles flying over both countries. Emirates has confirmed that flights to Jordan, previously suspended, will resume on Sunday.
However, flights to and from Lebanon remain suspended until October 15. This decision comes as Israel intensifies its attacks on Lebanon, including areas near the capital’s only airport.
In light of these developments, Emirates is not the only airline taking precautionary measures. Several other carriers have also temporarily suspended some services to and from Beirut and other Middle Eastern airports, reflecting the ongoing instability in the region.
