Laser blinds pilot, Malaysia Airlines flight flies in circle before Kolkata landing
A Malaysia Airlines flight approaching Kolkata was forced to circle after the pilot was distracted by a laser beam pointed at the cockpit. Authorities are investigating the incident, which highlights the ongoing safety risks posed by unauthorized laser use near airports.
Why it matters
Laser interference with aircraft is a serious aviation safety hazard that can cause temporary blindness and endanger passengers during critical flight phases.
KOLKATA: A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur carrying 159 passengers was delayed while approaching Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata after the pilot was reportedly distracted by a laser beam, airport sources said on Sunday.Flight MH-184 was scheduled to land at 11.20 pm on Saturday, according to news agency PTI.However, when the aircraft was around eight nautical miles from the runway, the pilot reportedly noticed a bright laser beam flashing towards the cockpit from the Madhyamgram-Barasat side, the sources said.The laser reportedly affected the pilot’s vision and momentarily disoriented him. As a result, the aircraft could not land at the scheduled time and had to circle in the sky before making another approach.The flight eventually landed safely at around 11.25 pm. All passengers and crew members were reported safe, the sources said.Following the incident, the airline informed airport authorities.
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