IndiGo pilot momentarily blinded by powerful laser beam, Kolkata airport authorities approach police

According to airport officials, the pilot of IndiGo flight 6E 223 from Bengaluru to Kolkata faced a powerful laser beam that penetrated the cockpit and obstructed his vision as the aircraft approached touchdown at 7.30 pm on Friday. The incident took place when the flight reached Kaikhali near the runway. Airport authorities added that the flight had 165 passengers and six crew members on board. The pilot’s complaint was later forwarded to the Airport police station.

The use of laser lights and drones has emerged as a major concern for the authorities as the area around Kolkata airport has a large number of wedding halls and ceremonial zones that routinely host events. As per top airport officials, the use of laser lights is banned within 18.5 km of the airport area, while drones are banned within 12 km to enable safe take-off and landing of aircraft.

A senior airport official said, “Each time the Air Traffic Control (ATC) gets an informal complaint from a pilot, we alert the local police station and they visit the place and stop the use of laser lights, which takes time. Hence the Bidhannagar police commissionerate and airport police station have been told that if anyone seeks permission to use laser lights or drones, they should be asked to get the nod from the airport authority.”

In October 2021, a laser light show in Kolkata’s Sreebhumi Durga Puja pandal, modelled on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, had to be suspended in consultation with state police and administration after three pilots complained of blinding during touchdown.

In December last year, the Bidhannagar police imposed a blanket ban on the use of drones and laser lights for events but the curbs were restricted to New Year parties. Last Saturday, the issue was discussed on a priority basis at a meeting of the Airport Environment Management Committee attended by police officials and state government representatives.

Expressing deep concern, a senior airport official said, “Such incidents that incapacitate pilots by causing them to go temporarily blind are on the rise, especially during festive and wedding seasons. Laser beams that hit aircraft during approach and landing could jeopardise the safety of passengers. It can lead to temporary vision loss or obstruction of sight of the flight crew during crucial moments. If public awareness is not enough to deter such incidents, there should be strong action.”