Qatar Airways has banned pagers and walkie-talkies on flights departing from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY). This measure was taken following the tragic incident involving pager explosions in Lebanon that took place on Tuesday. It claimed 32 lives with dozens more left injured.

The ban on pagers and walkie-talkies is applied to checked luggage, carry-on luggage, and cargo. The passengers are prohibited from carrying these devices on board their flights. Qatar Airlines made this announcement on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

Qatar Airways Official Announcement

“Effective immediately: 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 and cargo. It will be enforced until further notice.”  

Qatar Airways

These restrictions were imposed after a directive from Lebanon’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation and aimed to prevent similar incidents and ensure passengers’ safety during travel.

About Pagers Blast and Walkie-Talkie Explosions

 On September 18, 2024, scores of pagers were exploded across Lebanon and Syria. These explosions killed at least 12 lives, including some from Hezbollah and civilians, and left thousands injured.

The following day on September 19, 2024, walkie-talkies exploded in Lebanon, which claimed at least 20 lives, and wounded over 450 people.

The Lebanese Red Cross Organization sent 30 ambulances across Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley to assist those injured. The Lebanese government has condemned these attacks and launched an investigation to identify the source of the explosive devices. The Security forces have increased surveillance and monitoring of communication devices to prevent further incidents.

These attacks have raised concerns in the region about the safety of communication devices.

International Reactions

Lebanese Officials including Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib held the Israeli army responsible for the attacks. He blamed Israel, suggesting that they signal a move towards a new era of conflict.

Israel Responds

Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday announced that they have initiated attacks against Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure in Lebanon. They said that their goal is to improve security in Northern Israel and enable the residents to return home and meet their strategic objectives.

“We are currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to diminish their terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. For decades, Hezbollah has exploited civilian homes, constructed tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields, transforming southern Lebanon into a conflict zone. The IDF’s operations aim to restore security to northern Israel, enabling residents to return home and achieve our military goals.”

IDF said in a post shared on X

‘Entering a New Phase in War’

In addition to this, Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant declared the commencement of a new phase in war. In a post shared on X, he mentioned, “We are entering a new phase in the war—allocating resources and forces to the northern arena. Our mission is clear: to ensure the safe return of communities in northern Israel to their homes. To achieve this, we must alter the security situation.”

Global Calls for Regulation

Further in response to the attack, Russia has immediately called for Global regulation to reduce the power of IT giants over digital technology, citing concerns about spying and interference.