Dubai’s Emirates Airlines has banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all its flights after a series of deadly attacks in Lebanon. The decision, announced in early October 2024, applies to both checked and carry-on luggage for all passengers traveling to, from, or through Dubai. The airline cited heightened safety concerns as the primary reason for this new restriction, which follows the discovery of explosive devices hidden in such communication tools used by Hezbollah.
The ban comes after coordinated attacks in September that left more than 30 people dead. The explosions were reportedly triggered by explosive devices planted in pagers and walkie-talkies. Although Lebanon has accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks, Israeli officials have not publicly claimed responsibility. The attacks have increased tensions across the region, prompting airlines like Emirates to reevaluate their safety protocols.
https://twitter.com/devijamana73/status/1842797593299996970
Emirates stated that any pagers or walkie-talkies found in passengers' hand or checked luggage would be confiscated by Dubai authorities. The airline emphasized that this measure was crucial to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew in light of the ongoing instability in the Middle East. Similar restrictions were imposed by Qatar Airways on flights between Doha and Beirut shortly before the Emirates announcement.
The ban is part of broader travel restrictions that Emirates has imposed on routes through conflict zones. The airline has suspended flights to Lebanon until at least mid-October, and services to Iraq and Iran remain halted through October 7.
This is pure cinema 🔥🔥
Becoz of hacking possibilities of phones #Hezbollah guys using #Pagers only.#Israel tapped the pagers distribution network in Lebanon and injected malware into all devices.#Mossad exploded all pagers owned By Hezbollah .
pic.twitter.com/k5Y7cH2R1M— Matt murdock🚀 (@mattmurock123) September 17, 2024
Passengers attempting to transit through Dubai with destinations in these countries are currently being denied travel at their point of origin. Emirates continues to monitor the situation, coordinating with regional and international authorities to update its policies accordingly.
This move by Emirates reflects the airline industry’s growing concern over the use of everyday devices for nefarious purposes in conflict zones. By eliminating pagers and walkie-talkies from their flights, Emirates hopes to prevent any potential security breaches that could endanger passengers. The airline has urged affected customers to contact their travel agents or Emirates directly to explore alternative travel options.
The incidents that led to this drastic measure highlight the evolving threats airlines face, particularly in regions where militant groups operate. The use of basic communication devices, which are not typically flagged as high-risk, represents a new tactic in asymmetric warfare. This is likely why Emirates, a major global carrier, took swift action to prevent any future incidents on its planes.
While Emirates’ decision may cause inconvenience for some passengers, it underscores the importance of maintaining strict safety protocols amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Passengers are advised to stay informed of any further travel restrictions, as the situation remains fluid, particularly with ongoing military operations and regional disputes. This ban is just one part of Emirates' wider efforts to maintain the highest safety standards for its global network.
