Emirates airline, from the United Arab Emirates, banned the use of “pagers” and “walkie-talkies” on its planes, about a month after dozens of such devices exploded in Lebanon, killing at least 37 people and injuring around 3,000.
“All passengers traveling on flights to and from Dubai, or with a stopover in Dubai, are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies in their hold or cabin baggage,” says the company in a note published on its website. It also adds that, if these devices are found in passengers’ luggage, “they will be confiscated by Dubai police”.
The measure comes weeks after the explosion of “pagers” and “walkie-talkies” that were in the possession of members of the Lebanese militia Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities held Israel responsible for the attacks.
Flights to Beirut remain suspended
In its most recent update, on Friday, Emirates reported that flights to and from the Lebanese capital, Beirut, remain suspended until October 15th. Passengers transiting through Dubai to Beirut “will not be accepted for boarding at their origin until further notice.”
The airline also announced that it will resume flights to the Jordanian capital, Amman, on Sunday, while flights to and from Iraq and Iran remain canceled until Monday inclusive.
Several other airlines have also canceled flights to Beirut and other airports in the region.
