Dubai's Emirates Airlines Imposes Ban on Pagers and Walkie-Talkies on Flights

Emirates Airlines Takes Precautionary Measures

Emirates Airlines, based in Dubai, has become the first major airline outside of Lebanon to prohibit passengers from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on its flights. This decision comes in the wake of last month's attacks in Beirut involving exploding pagers and electronic devices. The airline made an announcement on its website stating, "All passengers traveling to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage." The statement further explained that this is part of enhanced security measures and any prohibited items will be confiscated by the Dubai Police.

Background of the Ban

The attacks involving pagers and walkie-talkies, which are widely believed to have been orchestrated by Israeli intelligence, were carried out by intercepting and manipulating the devices during shipping. It is suspected that small bomb materials were inserted into these devices, which were then detonated by sending a signal to thousands of these electronics simultaneously. The attacks, which took place on September 17 and 18, resulted in at least 42 deaths and over 3,500 injuries. Among the casualties were 12 civilians, including children, who were killed in the operation aimed at disrupting Hezbollah.

Potential Threats and Precautions

In the aftermath of these attacks, concerns arose about the possibility of these booby-trapped pagers and devices spreading outside the country. The fear of someone carrying one of these manipulated pagers onto a plane seems to be what Emirates Airlines is trying to prevent. It is possible that other regional carriers may follow Emirates' lead, which is the largest airline in the Middle East.

Flight Suspensions and Ongoing Conflicts

Emirates Airlines is one of many global airlines that have suspended flights to and from Beirut. Currently, flights to Iraq and Iran have been halted until Tuesday, while services to Jordan are set to resume on Sunday. Meanwhile, Israel continues to carry out large-scale airstrikes on Beirut, targeting not only the southern suburbs and Hezbollah strongholds but also central Beirut.

Impact on Border Crossings

An airstrike earlier this week destroyed the primary border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, located at Masnaa. Following this, displaced refugees have been observed crossing the mountainous and rough terrain border on foot.

Bottom Line

The decision by Emirates Airlines to ban pagers and walkie-talkies on its flights highlights the ongoing security concerns in the region. It serves as a reminder of the potential threats posed by manipulated electronic devices and the lengths airlines are willing to go to ensure passenger safety. What are your thoughts on this measure taken by Emirates Airlines? Do you believe it's a necessary step in today's volatile security climate? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which takes place every day at 6pm.