A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata had to circle before landing after a laser beam was reportedly flashed towards the cockpit while the aircraft was approaching the airport late Saturday night.
Flight MH-184, carrying 159 passengers, was scheduled to land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at around 11.20 pm. The aircraft eventually touched down safely at about 11.25 pm, with all passengers and crew members reported safe.
Pilot reportedly disoriented by laser
The incident occurred when the aircraft was around eight nautical miles from the runway, according to sources cited by PTI. The pilot reportedly noticed a bright laser beam coming from the Madhyamgram-Barasat side and flashing towards the cockpit.
The laser reportedly affected the pilot's vision and briefly disoriented him, preventing the aircraft from landing at the scheduled time. The flight was subsequently made to circle before approaching the runway again.
Laser beams directed at aircraft can create a serious risk during landing and take-off, when pilots need clear visibility and concentration.
Airport authorities lodge police complaint
Following the incident, Kolkata airport authorities filed a complaint with the NSCBI Airport Police Station.
Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh said laser lights are prohibited around the airport, while noting that such incidents have occurred occasionally. He said the matter had been brought to the attention of the police, who are investigating.
The incident has also brought back concerns raised by pilots over laser displays near airports during festivals. During the 2025 Durga Puja celebrations, laser lights used near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal had reportedly raised concerns among pilots, following which the laser show was stopped.
Training aircraft crash-lands in Baramati
The laser incident comes on the same day as a separate aviation mishap in Maharashtra. A private company's training aircraft crash-landed near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district around 12.30 pm. No casualties were reported.
The incident occurred around seven months after then Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and four others were killed when their Learjet 45 crashed during a landing attempt at the same airstrip.
“We are investigating whether the aircraft developed a technical snag or if there were any other problems. It is too early to comment on anything,” a senior police official said, according to PTI.