Emirates bans pagers, walkie-talkies on flights

UAE carrier Emirates banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights to and from Dubai, it was announced on Friday evening.

“All Passengers traveling on flights to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage. Such items found in passengers' hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police,” Emirates said.

The carrier did not give further information regarding the decision, although it comes after thousands of such devices were detonated by Israel in Lebanon on September 17 and 18.

Since then, Israel has escalated its activity in Lebanon, intensifying its air raids and launching a ground incursion in the south.

Emirates, alongside Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia, cancelled flights to and from Beirut due to heightened risk. 

Emirates’ flights to/from Beirut remain cancelled until at least October 15, while Etihad Airways has cancelled flights until at least October 11, and flydubai until October 7.