By The New York Times (Asia, Middle East) | Created at 2024-10-07 15:23:17 | Updated at 2024-10-07 18:23:19
3 hours ago
The move comes after communication devices used by Hezbollah members exploded last month, killing dozens of people.
- Oct. 7, 2024, 11:15 a.m. ET
Emirates, Dubai’s flagship airline, has banned pagers and walkie-talkies from its flights following Israel’s recent attacks on such communication devices used by Hezbollah.
“All passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage,” the United Arab Emirates-based airline said in a short statement published on its website on Friday. “Such items found in passengers’ hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police,” it said.
Last month, Israel staged two waves of attacks in Lebanon via wireless electronic devices used by members of Hezbollah. Dozens of people were killed and hundreds were injured when the devices exploded, but many of those harmed were not part of the militia group. The Emirates statement did not mention the explosions.
Days after the incidents, Lebanon’s Civil Aviation Authority barred travelers from carrying such devices on flights leaving the international airport in Beirut, the Lebanese capital. In response, Qatar Airways said pagers and walkie-talkies would be prohibited, though only on flights between Doha and Beirut.
Emirates said in a statement on Monday that its flights to and from Lebanon will remain suspended until Oct. 15.
Ismaeel Naar is an international reporter for The Times, covering the Gulf states. He is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. More about Ismaeel Naar
