Pilot disoriented by laser light, flight circles mid-air before landing at Kolkata airport
A Malaysia Airlines flight approaching Kolkata airport was forced to circle after the pilot was momentarily disoriented by a laser beam pointed at the cockpit. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which poses significant safety risks during landing.
Why it matters
Laser interference with aircraft is a recurring safety hazard that threatens aviation security and requires strict enforcement of no-laser zones near airports.
A Malaysia Airlines flight MH-184 from Kuala Lumpur carrying 159 passengers faced problem while approaching the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport for landing as the pilot was distracted by a laser beam, airport sources said on Sunday (August 9, 2026).
The flight was scheduled to land at 11.20 p.m. on Saturday (August 8), but when the aircraft was approximately 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 aircraft finally landed safely at around 11.25 p.m. and all passengers and crew members were reported safe, they said.
The sudden laser flash reportedly affected the pilot's vision, momentarily disorienting him, owing to which the aircraft could not land at the scheduled time and had to circle in the sky before making another approach.
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