Dubai-based airline Emirates has extended flight cancellations to Middle East destinations and implemented a ban on pagers and walkie-talkies onboard its planes following recent attacks in Lebanon triggered by these devices.
The carrier announced that passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from carrying pagers or walkie-talkies in either checked or cabin baggage.This decision comes in response to a series of explosions involving communication devices linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, who blamed Israel for the attacks.
What Emirates Airlines statement said
Emirates clarified that any such items found in passenger luggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police. In a statement posted on its website, Emirates said that “such items found in passengers’ hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police.”
The blasts last month resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people and injuries to nearly 3,000 individuals across Lebanon.
In addition to the ban, Emirates has extended the suspension of its Iraq and Iran routes until Tuesday, citing the ongoing regional escalation. Flights to Jordan, which were also suspended, are expected to resume on Sunday.
Flights to and from Lebanon will remain suspended until October 15 due to Israel’s intensified attacks on the country, including parts of the capital near the Beirut airport. Several other airlines have also temporarily halted some services to and from Beirut and other Middle East destinations.
Customers transiting through Dubai with final destination Beirut will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice.
Impacted customers must contact their booking agents for alternative travel options or contact us if they have booked with Emirates directly.
Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates.
We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region and are in contact with the relevant authorities regarding developments.