Dubai’s Emirates Airlines has implemented a ban on passengers bringing pagers and walkie-talkies aboard its flights, in response to recent incidents involving explosives linked to communication devices used by the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
In a statement released on its website, the airline announced that travelers flying to, from, or through Dubai are not allowed to carry these devices in either checked or carry-on luggage. It further warned that any restricted items discovered will be seized by Dubai Police as part of increased security protocols.
The new regulations come in the wake of a series of violent attacks in September, where numerous booby-trapped pagers and a significant number of radios detonated, incidents largely attributed to Israel, although the country has not officially taken responsibility.
Additionally, Emirates Airlines confirmed that flights to Iraq and Iran will be suspended until Tuesday, while operations to Jordan will resume this Sunday. Services to Lebanon will remain on hold until October 15, due to intensifying Israeli military actions against Hezbollah, including bombings near Beirut International Airport.
Several other carriers have also halted flights to Beirut and other regional destinations amid the rising tensions in the area.
