Airline Prohibits Two Items in Luggage Due to Middle Eastern Conflict

Dubai’s flagship airline has implemented a ban on passengers carrying pagers or walkie-talkies in either their carry-on or checked luggage, following incidents of device explosions in Lebanon and Syria last month.

Emirates Airlines declared that these items are prohibited on any flights traveling to, from, or connecting through Dubai. In a statement on the airline's website, officials noted: “Passengers flying to, from, or via Dubai are not allowed to carry pagers and walkie-talkies in either their hand or checked baggage.” The statement further emphasized, “Any such items discovered in hand luggage or checked bags will be seized by Dubai Police.”

This decision follows recent attacks on Hezbollah devices—an Iranian-backed Lebanese group allied with Hamas-amid ongoing hostilities with Israel, which have included nearly a year of cross-border rocket fire.

At least 37 individuals lost their lives, and around 3,000 were injured on September 17 and 18 due to simultaneous detonations of electronic pagers used by Hezbollah for communication in Beirut and Damascus.

Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have attributed the attack to Israel; however, the Israeli military has not taken responsibility for the assault on the communication devices.

In response to the deadly explosions, Lebanese authorities have prohibited the shipping or carrying of electronic pagers and walkie-talkies on all airlines departing from Beirut Airport until further notice.

Additionally, the largest airline in the Middle East announced that while Emirates flights to Amman, Jordan resumed on October 6, flights to and from Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon remain suspended due to continued missile strikes.

“We are actively monitoring the situation in the region and are in communication with the appropriate authorities regarding any developments,” Emirates stated.