In light of increasing tensions in the Middle East, Emirates Airlines has announced a ban on pagers and walkie-talkies aboard its flights. This measure comes after a series of sabotage attacks in Lebanon and the subsequent cancellation of numerous flights to various regional destinations, according to AFP.
The airline stated, “All passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from bringing pagers and walkie-talkies in both checked and cabin baggage.” This ban follows incidents involving exploding communication devices attributed to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which has accused Israel of instigating the violence.
In a notice released on its website Friday, Emirates warned that any such items found in passengers’ luggage would be confiscated by Dubai Police. The recent blasts in Lebanon have resulted in at least 37 fatalities and close to 3,000 injuries.
As the largest airline in the region, Emirates has also confirmed that its flights to Iraq and Iran will remain suspended until Tuesday. These cancellations were initiated following a significant Iranian missile attack on Israel this week, with missiles reportedly launched from both Iraq and Iran.
Additionally, Emirates indicated that flights to Jordan, which had been previously halted, will resume on Sunday. However, flights to and from Lebanon will remain suspended until October 15, amid escalating Israeli attacks in the area, including near Beirut’s sole airport.
Several other airlines have also chosen to suspend their services to and from Beirut and various other airports across the Middle East.
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