Iran Air Bans Pagers and Walkie-Talkies on Flights to Lebanon

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air, known as Iran Air, has requested passengers on flights between Tehran and Beirut to refrain from carrying 'pagers and walkie-talkies' during their flights. The airline's public relations office announced on Friday evening, September 30, that this restriction will also apply to cargo, luggage, and carry-on bags passing through Rafic Hariri Airport in Beirut. Following the explosion of thousands of pagers, walkie-talkies, and other equipment in Lebanon and parts of Syria controlled by Hezbollah forces, Lebanon has prohibited the transport of these devices by passengers due to safety concerns for flights. The Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority on Thursday requested all airlines operating in Lebanon to inform passengers that carrying any such communication devices is prohibited. Qatar Airways also announced at the same time that no passenger is allowed to carry such equipment on flights. Qatar Airways emphasized that passengers are prohibited from bringing pagers, walkie-talkies, and similar devices, whether in the airplane or in their luggage, particularly for Lebanese passengers on flights to and from Lebanon. Iranian airlines, which operate multiple daily flights to Lebanon and Syria, have always been accused of transporting Hezbollah forces or Iranian agents associated with Hezbollah on these flights. The explosions of equipment on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, occurring within 24 hours, left at least 37 dead and thousands injured, mainly in Lebanon. A significant number of the injured have suffered amputations, and hundreds have lost an eye or their vision.