Emirates Airlines has banned passengers from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies in both hand and checked luggage on flights to, from, or connecting through Dubai.
The decision comes after a series of device explosions in Lebanon and Syria last month.
In a statement on its website, the airline said: “All passengers travelling on flights to, from or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage.” The airline further warned that any such items found in passengers’ baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police.
This move follows deadly incidents in Beirut and Damascus in mid-September, where explosions involving electronic pagers used by Hezbollah led to the deaths of at least 37 people and injuries to 3,000.
The Lebanese authorities have since banned the transport of pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights leaving Beirut Airport.
In addition, Emirates has suspended flights to Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon due to ongoing missile strikes in the region. However, flights to Amman, Jordan, resumed on October 6.
The airline is monitoring the situation closely and remains in contact with authorities regarding developments in the Middle East.
Current travel advice for tourists visiting countries like Qatar, Oman, and the UAE warns that hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly, posing risks to the wider region.
