Emirates airlines bans pagers, walkie-talkies onboard following Lebanon blasts

Emirates, one of the Middle East’s largest airlines, has banned the use of pagers and walkie-talkies onboard its flights in response to a series of sabotage attacks in Lebanon.

The ban comes amid heightened security concerns after communication devices used by Iran-backed Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon, killing at least 37 people and injuring nearly 3,000.

The Dubai-based airline issued a statement on Friday confirming that passengers traveling on any Emirates flight to, from, or through Dubai are now prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies in either checked or cabin baggage.

“Such items found in passengers’ hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police,” the statement read.

Regional flight suspensions continue

In addition to the equipment ban, Emirates also announced an extension of flight cancellations to several Middle East destinations. Flights to Iraq and Iran will remain suspended until Tuesday, following a major Iranian missile strike on Israel earlier this week.

The attack caused disruption in Iraqi and Iranian airspace, prompting airlines to suspend operations temporarily.

Emirates confirmed that flights to Jordan, which were also suspended, are scheduled to resume on Sunday. However, flights to and from Lebanon will remain grounded until at least Oct. 15, as the security situation in the region worsens.

Security measures heightened across Middle East

The blasts in Lebanon, which Hezbollah has blamed on Israel, have resulted in several airlines halting or adjusting their services to and from Middle Eastern destinations.