Powerful Laser Beam Momentarily Blinds IndiGo Pilot While Landing At Kolkata Airport

In a major incident that took place earlier this month on February 23, pilot of IndiGo flight 6E 223 from Bengaluru to Kolkata encountered a sharp laser beam that pierced the cockpit and blocked his vision as the aircraft approached touchdown at 7.30 pm on Friday. The incident took place when the flight arrived Kaikhali near the runway. According to airport authorities, the flight had 165 passengers and six crew members on board.

Soon after landing, the captain brought the matter to the notice of Kolkata Air Traffic Controller. The airport officials informed the airport police station about the laser disruptions.

The incident occurred nearly one week after the Kolkata Airport Environment Management Committee organised a meeting on the hazard of laser lights in the airport area.

"The airport authority informed the local police station after they faced the incident. On being informed from the police control room, a team of our police officers immediately reached the spot and stopped the laser beam. There is no official written complaint filed so far," according to police sources as reported by India Today.

Laser lights and drones pose a major worry for the authorities as the area around Kolkata airport has a vast number of wedding halls and ceremonial zones that frequently organise events. According to airport officials, laser lights use has been prohibited within 18.5 km of the airport area and drones are banned within 12 km to ensure hassle free and safe take-off and landing of aircraft.