Kolkata Airport News: Malaysia Airlines Pilot Distracted by Laser Beam
Kolkata Airport News
A Malaysia Airlines flight faced a safety concern while approaching Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata after the pilot was reportedly distracted by a bright laser beam. The incident took place while the aircraft was preparing to land on Saturday night.
The Malaysia Airlines flight MH-184, travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata, was carrying 159 passengers. It was scheduled to land at the Kolkata airport at around 11:20 pm.
According to airport sources, the pilot noticed a bright laser beam flashing towards the aircraft’s cockpit when the plane was around eight nautical miles from the runway. The laser reportedly came from the Madhyamgram-Barasat side.
The sudden laser flash reportedly affected the pilot’s vision and caused momentary disorientation. This created a difficult situation because the aircraft was in the final stage of its approach to Kolkata airport. Due to the distraction, the aircraft could not land at the scheduled time. The plane reportedly had to circle before making another approach to the runway.
The aircraft eventually landed safely at around 11:25 pm. All 159 passengers and crew members were reported safe. Although there were no injuries, the incident has raised concerns about the dangers of using powerful laser lights near airports. The airline informed Kolkata airport authorities about the laser incident. Following the report, airport authorities also lodged a complaint with the NSCBI Airport Police Station.
Police authorities are investigating the incident and are expected to look into the location from where the laser beam was directed towards the aircraft. The identity of the person responsible for the laser beam was not immediately known. Laser lights can create serious problems for pilots, particularly during take-off and landing. A powerful laser beam directed at an aircraft cockpit can temporarily affect a pilot’s vision.
It can cause distraction, glare, difficulty seeing instruments and even temporary vision problems. These effects can be dangerous when pilots are managing an aircraft close to the runway. The approach and landing stages require pilots to maintain strong concentration. Any sudden flash or visual distraction can make the operation more difficult.
Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh said that the use of laser lights around the airport is prohibited. He also noted that such incidents happen occasionally and can affect aircraft operations. The airport authorities have informed the police about the latest incident so that an investigation can be conducted.
This is not the first time that pilots have raised concerns about laser beams near airports. Pilots have reported similar incidents during take-off and landing on previous occasions. During the 2025 Durga Puja celebrations, laser lights used near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal reportedly caused concerns among pilots. The laser show was subsequently stopped.
The Malaysia Airlines incident ended safely, but it highlights the importance of preventing laser activity near airports. The flight had 159 people on board, and a laser beam affecting the pilot during the final approach could have created a serious safety risk. Quick action by the crew allowed the aircraft to circle and make another landing attempt.
Authorities are now investigating the latest incident. Strict enforcement of restrictions on laser lights around airports can help prevent similar situations and protect passengers, crew members and aircraft operations.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
