UAE airlines are continuing to operate their flights to Lebanon as scheduled while closely monitoring the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The carriers have affirmed their commitment to safety and confirmed that they will follow any directives issued by the relevant authorities regarding carrying certain electronic devices, such as pagers and walkie-talkies.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways issued a statement, “Etihad Airways is currently operating its normal flight schedule to and from Beirut. We monitor all global security situations minute by minute. Safety is always our highest priority, and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so”.
Similarly, a spokesperson for Flydubai noted that the airline “follows all directives issued by the local authorities”.
This follows an incident earlier in the week in which handheld radios carried by Hezbollah members exploded, causing multiple casualties. The blasts have raised concerns globally about how communication devices can be manipulated to pose a threat to public safety.
On September 19, travellers flying to and from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport were banned from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies after the attack on Hezbollah’s communication devices.
In response, Qatar Airways also implemented a ban on these devices for Lebanon flights. The airline stated, “Following the directive received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of the Republic of Lebanon, all passengers flying from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) are prohibited from carrying pagers and walkie-talkies on board flights. The ban applies to both checked and carry-on luggage, as well as cargo, and will be enforced until further notice”.
The situation remains fluid, and airlines are expected to continue to adapt as further developments arise.