Confiscation of devices to be enforced by Dubai Police, with bans extending to Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan routes.
Dubai’s Emirates airline has introduced a new travel restriction, prohibiting passengers from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies in both check-in and cabin luggage on all flights. In an official update released on Friday night, the airline warned that any such devices found in passenger baggage would be confiscated by Dubai Police.
This directive applies to all Emirates flights departing from, arriving in, or transiting through Dubai. The ban comes at a time of heightened regional security concerns and follows broader aviation restrictions already in place for travelers to and from certain Middle Eastern countries.
Regional Impact and Background
The move to ban pagers and walkie-talkies appears to be part of broader efforts to address security issues within the region. Emirates’ announcement follows a similar directive issued in Lebanon. Since September 19, passengers flying through Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport have also been prohibited from carrying such devices, reportedly in response to attacks targeting Hezbollah’s communication networks.
In addition to the device ban, Emirates has temporarily suspended flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Iraq (Basra and Baghdad), Iran (Tehran), and Jordan (Amman) until October 5, citing regional unrest. The airline confirmed that passengers transiting through Dubai to these final destinations would not be accepted for travel at their points of origin until further notice.
Current Flight Operations
While Emirates flights to Beirut are expected to resume after October 8, the airline has maintained a cautious stance on routes impacted by political tensions. Other regional airlines have also adjusted their schedules in response to ongoing volatility.
Dubai-based flydubai has resumed flights from Dubai to Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Jordan. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways, the national carrier of Abu Dhabi, reinstated flight services between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) as of Thursday.
Safety and Security First
Emirates emphasized that the decision to ban pagers and walkie-talkies is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all passengers. This restriction may be part of the UAE’s broader efforts to safeguard communication protocols and minimize risks during travel, especially in light of recent geopolitical tensions.
Passengers affected by these restrictions are advised to stay informed by regularly checking the airline’s travel updates to avoid disruptions at airport checkpoints.
As these measures are being rolled out amidst a broader regional context, Emirates remains committed to its customers’ safety, while ensuring that its operations adhere to strict security guidelines.
Passengers flying to and from the affected regions should monitor the status of flights and keep an eye on any updates to travel guidelines.
