Malaysia Airlines Flight Faces Laser Attack Near Kolkata Airport, 159 Passengers Affected

A Malaysia Airlines flight preparing to land at Kolkata airport faced a dangerous laser attack that blinded the pilot momentarily, forcing a go-around and putting 159 passengers at risk.

The potential dangers posed by the unauthorized use of high-intensity lights near airports came to light in a harrowing incident at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. A Malaysia Airlines flight arriving from Kuala Lumpur encountered a severe emergency just moments before touching down, plunging the people on board into sudden panic. The pilot steering the aircraft experienced complete visual impairment when a blinding beam struck the cockpit, putting the lives of all 159 passengers hanging in the balance. Fortunately, prompt action by the flight crew averted a major disaster, allowing the plane to circle the airspace before landing safely later that night.

Pilot Forced to Abort Landing Due to Sudden Blindness
The incoming flight, identified as Malaysia Airlines flight MH-184 from Kuala Lumpur, had already descended and started approaching the designated runway when the dangerous disruption occurred. According to airport sources, the temporary blindness experienced by the pilot was not due to any physical health issue, but rather the result of a powerful laser beam directed straight at the cockpit windshield. The light was intense enough to disorient both pilots instantly, making safe navigation impossible. Recognizing that proceeding with the descent under such blinded conditions would directly endanger the 159 passengers and crew members on board, the pilot made the critical decision to abort the landing and steer the aircraft back up into the open sky.

Investigation Underway After Police File FIR
Placing passenger safety above all else, the captain immediately notified Air Traffic Control about the laser interference and guided the plane back into a holding pattern. Once the disruptive laser light ceased after a short while, the aircraft made a safe landing at approximately 11:20 PM, with all passengers and crew reported safe. Airport security agencies and local authorities were promptly briefed on the security breach. Subsequent investigations revealed that the laser interference originated from the Madhyamgram-Barasat direction, roughly eight nautical miles away from the runway. Acting on formal complaints lodged by airport and airline officials, the Kolkata Airport Police registered an FIR and launched a manhunt to trace the culprits responsible for beaming the light at the aircraft.

Strict Ban on Lasers Near Airports After Past Incidents
Kolkata Airport Director Vikram Singh explained that laser lights can cause severe vision blurring, intense distraction, and extreme disorientation for pilots during critical phases of flight, which is why their use is strictly prohibited around airports. Such unauthorized beams create exceptionally hazardous situations during takeoffs and landings. Aviation authorities note that similar incidents have plagued Kolkata previously. During the Durga puja celebrations in 2025, laser lights operated near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal caused significant hurdles for incoming flights, ultimately forcing authorities to shut down the laser display.

What this means for you
Across India: Aviation authorities may enforce stricter penalties and surveillance around major airports to curb illegal laser usage near flight paths.,In Kolkata: Local law enforcement is likely to step up surveillance and patrols in areas surrounding the airport, including Madhyamgram and Barasat.

Questions & Answers

1. Which flight faced the laser incident at Kolkata airport?
The incident involved Malaysia Airlines flight MH-184 arriving from Kuala Lumpur.

2. Why was the pilot temporarily blinded?
The pilot experienced vision loss because a powerful laser light was beamed directly onto the cockpit windshield from the ground.

3. How many passengers were on board the flight?
There were 159 passengers and crew members on board, and all of them remained safe.

4. Where did the laser beam originate from?
Investigations revealed that the laser interference came from the Madhyamgram-Barasat area, about eight nautical miles away from the runway.

5. What legal action has been taken in this case?
The Kolkata Airport Police registered an FIR based on complaints filed by airport and airline officials.

https://trendkia.com/en/national/kolkata-men-malaysia-airlines-ki-phlaita-para-laser-attack-landing-rokani-pari-159-yatriyon-ki-ataki-sansen-15428
TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.