Emirates bans pagers amid rising Middle East tensions
Due to increasing tensions related to the conflict in the Middle East, Emirates airline has implemented an immediate ban on the transport of two items that may pose a danger. The ban applies to both carry-on and checked luggage.
Emirates' list of prohibited items includes pagers and walkie-talkies.
Explosions of pagers and escalation of the Middle East conflict
The ban applies to all passengers travelling from, to, or through Dubai. Emirates issued a statement informing passengers that if these items are found in luggage, Dubai police will confiscate them.
This decision is related to flight safety in light of dangerous events in the region.
Elijah J Magnier, a political analyst from Brussels, explained that Israeli attacks targeted pagers belonging to Hezbollah. These devices began to vibrate and emit sounds, and then exploded when their users tried to cancel the alarm.
Suspension of flights to Lebanon
Faced with intensified Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, Emirates has also suspended all flights to the country. The ongoing bombings have forced millions of Beirut residents to leave their homes and seek shelter in other parts of the capital.
Due to the restriction of flight connections, many people are trying to leave Lebanon on their own, buying seats on private yachts heading mainly to Cyprus. The price of such tickets can reach several thousand pounds.
Israel intensifies its military operations in Lebanon, urging residents of southern areas to evacuate. In recent months, Israeli airstrikes have caused the death of around 1,900 people and injured approximately 9,000. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced further military actions against Hezbollah.
