UAE carrier Emirates banned pagers and walkie-talkies on all flights to and from Dubai, it was announced on Friday evening.
“All Passengers traveling on flights to, from, or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage. Such items found in passengers' hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai Police,” Emirates said.
The carrier did not give further information regarding the decision, although it comes after thousands of such devices were detonated by Israel in Lebanon on September 17 and 18.
Since then, Israel has escalated its activity in Lebanon, intensifying its air raids and launching a ground incursion in the south.
Emirates, alongside Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia, cancelled flights to and from Beirut due to heightened risk.
Emirates’ flights to/from Beirut remain cancelled until at least October 15, while Etihad Airways has cancelled flights until at least October 11, and flydubai until October 7.
The UAE's Ministry of Interior has confirmed it is closely monitoring regional developments and remains at the highest level of readiness to take all necessary precautionary measures to safeguard the country and its people.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the temporary partial closure of the UAE’s airspace, as an exceptional precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and aircrews, and safeguarding the UAE’s territory, amid rapidly evolving regional security developments.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with the rulers of Dubai, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain and Ajman have signed the National Education Charter.
Some flydubai flights have been impacted due to the temporary closure of airspaces in Iran, Israel and Iraq, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed on Saturday.