Pilot couldn't open his eyes when the plane carrying more than 300 people was about to land.

(Dan Tri) - A major concern about aviation safety has arisen at Chennai Airport (MAA) in India when an Emirates flight from Dubai was hit with a green laser while landing on the evening of June 5.

The plane was about to land, the pilot could not open his eyes.

It was a Boeing 777-300ER flight carrying 304 passengers. The moment the pilot was hit by a laser beam, he was unable to open his eyes during the landing at the airport. This is an alarming case in a series of laser-related incidents that are showing signs of increasing near the airport area.

The pilot immediately informed Chennai air traffic control (ATC) about aborting the first landing. ATC immediately informed the city police and the laser was turned off shortly thereafter.

The moment a pilot was hit in the eye with a green laser (Illustration: ABC News).

The flight landed safely at the beginning of runway 25. However, officials warned that laser illumination could severely impair pilots' visibility, especially during the landing phase - a crucial part of the flight.

According to airport officials and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), laser jamming is considered a dangerous incident. The AAI has urged people to immediately alert local authorities if they spot such activity.

The Chennai Metropolitan Police (GCP) also issued a warning stating that activities such as laser beams, releasing thermal balloons, and releasing glowing objects near the airport area are considered serious threats to flight safety. Violators will be dealt with according to the law.

According to GCP recommendations, shining a laser beam at an aircraft can cause temporary blindness or serious distraction to the pilot. This not only threatens the lives of passengers and crew, but also disrupts airport operations. This is an act classified as "Endangering the life or personal safety of others".

The incident occurred on an Emirates flight (Photo: Alexander Lang).

The advisory also stresses that airport operations may be suspended if the laser source cannot be immediately identified and disabled. In addition, high-powered laser devices can cause eye damage to people.

A series of incidents

Incidents of pilots being hit in the eye with lasers are on the rise. There were five separate incidents in May alone.

The most recent incident was the incident of a green laser being shone at an Emirates Boeing 777-300 as it landed at Chennai airport on the evening of May 25. Similarly, a Gulf Air flight was also hit with a laser a day before the Emirates incident, indicating a growing trend of dangerous behaviour near airports.

In this regard, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has highlighted the serious risks posed by laser beams during critical flight phases such as landing, approach and take-off.

Aviation safety experts warn that these incidents can cause pilots to lose control of the aircraft due to impaired vision at the most critical moment. Shining a laser at the aircraft during landing can temporarily blind the pilot and lead to loss of control.

National aviation data shows that there were 144 reports of laser interference during takeoff and landing in 2023. Airport authorities admit that tracking down those responsible for these dangerous acts is a major challenge.

Chennai airport officials say laser-related incidents are usually isolated incidents, but weddings and local events can bring spikes. The widespread availability of laser-emitting devices, from children’s toys to event equipment, complicates prevention efforts.

Additionally, laser lights are now easily accessible and used in small scale events or entertainment purposes.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/phi-cong-khong-mo-noi-mat-khi-may-bay-cho-hon-300-nguoi-chuan-bi-ha-canh-20250609160306747.htm