Emirates Airline announces ban on pagers, walkie-talkies onboard, extends flight cancelations to Lebanon till Oct 15

Dubai-based airline Emirates has extended flight cancelations to Middle East destinations till Oct 15, amid the ongoing conflict, and implemented a ban on pagers and walkie-talkies onboard its planes following explosions in Lebanon triggered by such devices.

In a statement published on its website on Oct 6, the airline announced that passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from carrying pagers or walkie-talkies in either checked or cabin baggage.

This decision comes in the wake of a series of blasts last month involving communication devices linked to the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which blamed Israel for the attacks.

The blasts led to the killing of at least 37 people and injuring around 3,000 others across Lebanon.

Emirates clarified that any such items found in passenger luggage will be confiscated. "Such items found in passengers' hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police," reads the statement.

The airline also extended the suspension of its Iraq and Iran routes until Oct 8, citing the ongoing regional escalation. However, flights to Jordan, which were suspended are expected to resume on Oct 6.

Flights to and from Lebanon will remain suspended until Oct 15 due to Israel's renewed attacks on the country, including parts of the capital near the Beirut airport, according to the statement. Pertinently, several other airlines have also temporarily halted their services to and from Beirut and other Middle East destinations.

“Impacted customers must contact their booking agents for alternative travel options or contact us if they have booked with Emirates directly,” the statement said.

“Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting Manage Your Booking to receive updates,” it added. The airline said it continues to closely monitor the situation in the region and is in contact with the relevant authorities regarding developments.