Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Travelers flying to, from, or through Dubai will no longer be allowed to carry pagers or walkie-talkies in their luggage, Emirates announced. The Dubai-based airline issued its latest travel advisory on Friday (October 4), warning that items found in violation of this rule will be confiscated by Dubai Police. The update comes after increased regional tensions and security concerns. In particular, travelers flying to and from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport in Lebanon have been under a similar restriction since September 19. The restriction follows a recent wave of attacks involving Hezbollah’s communication systems, prompting several airlines, including Emirates, to enforce the ban on pagers and walkie-talkies. As a result of ongoing unrest in the region, Emirates has also temporarily suspended its flights to Beirut, with the suspension expected to last until October 8. In addition to Lebanon, the airline has also halted its regular flights to Iraq (Basra and Baghdad), Iran (Tehran), and Jordan (Amman) until October 5. "Customers transiting through Dubai with final destinations in Iraq, Iran, and Jordan will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice," according to the airline. The strict security measures reflect the heightened vigilance being applied at major airports in light of the current geopolitical climate. Other airlines, including Dubai’s low-cost carrier flydubai, have resumed flights to some of these destinations, including Iraq, Iran, and Israel. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has restarted flight services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, further highlighting the differing responses by airlines to the security situation in the region. Passengers are advised to review their luggage contents carefully and stay up to date on airline travel advisories to avoid any disruptions or delays to their travel plans. Emirates has urged travelers to consult its website or contact its customer service team for the latest updates regarding restricted items and affected flight routes. ICA/Expat Media
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