Emirates Tightens Security: Bans Pagers Amid Heightened Middle East Tensions

Dubai-based Emirates Airlines has announced an extension of flight cancellations to various Middle Eastern destinations and has implemented a ban on pagers and walkie-talkies on its aircraft. This decision follows recent attacks in Lebanon attributed to devices linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which has accused Israel of provoking these incidents.

Passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai are now prohibited from bringing pagers or walkie-talkies in both checked and cabin baggage. Emirates emphasized that any such items discovered in passenger luggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police.

The airline’s statement highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Such items found in passengers’ hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police.” The recent explosions in Lebanon have resulted in at least 37 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries.

In addition to the ban on electronic devices, Emirates has suspended flights to Iraq and Iran until Tuesday due to ongoing regional tensions. While flights to Jordan are expected to resume on Sunday, services to and from Lebanon will remain halted until October 15 amid intensified Israeli attacks on the country, particularly around the Beirut airport.

Several other airlines have also temporarily ceased operations to and from Beirut and other affected Middle Eastern locations. Furthermore, passengers transiting through Dubai to Beirut will not be allowed to board flights from their points of origin until further notice.