‘Pilot distracted momentarily’: How a stray laser beam delayed Malaysia Airlines flight’s landing at Kolkata airport

Indiadailyupdate.com – A Malaysia Airlines flight heading to Kolkata from Kuala Lumpur carrying 159 passengers was forced to delay its landing after the pilot was distracted by a laser beam. Flight MH-184 was scheduled to land at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 11.20 pm on Saturday. However, at about eight nautical miles from the allotted runway, the pilot was disturbed by a bright laser beam flashing towards the cockpit from the Madhyamgram–Barasat area.

Since the sudden laser flash disoriented the pilot, the aircraft did not make an immediate landing on schedule. The crew had to circle in the sky before making another approach, landing safely at around 11.25 pm. Airport sources on Sunday confirmed the development to news agency PTI, adding that all passengers and crew members were safe.

Following the incident, the airline informed the airport authorities. The Kolkata airport authorities subsequently lodged a complaint with the NSCBI Airport Police Station, the sources said. Kolkata Airport Director Vikram Singh noted that while the use of laser lights around the airport is prohibited, such incidents occur occasionally and can potentially affect aircraft operations.

Pilots have previously complained about laser beams affecting their vision during take-off and landing on earlier occasions, PTI reported. During the 2025 Durga Puja festival, laser lights used near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal reportedly caused concern among pilots, following which the laser show was stopped. Intense laser beams can temporarily impair a pilot's vision, causing distraction and even temporary blindness-like effects, posing a severe risk during the critical stages of take-off and landing, sources said.