Aircraft approaching Chennai International Airport have been struck by laser beams 27 times in just six months, raising serious safety concerns for pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation authorities. The most recent incident occurred early on June 10, when a commercial flight nearing the runway was hit by a white laser beam. Officials said the attack happened at about three nautical miles from landing.
While the aircraft landed safely, the risk was undeniable. Pilots have repeatedly warned that laser beams can cause sudden disorientation, temporary blindness, and distraction all of which can compromise aircraft control during the most crucial phase of flight.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has flagged laser interference as a growing hazard. In its latest aviation safety guidelines, it noted that the critical moments of descent and landing require full visual clarity and concentration from the cockpit.
Despite repeated advisories, incidents continue to occur, with Chennai already recording over 40 percent of last year’s total cases. In response, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) recently held an inter-agency meeting with Greater Chennai Police, DGCA officials, and airline operators to step up response efforts. They have requested pilots to report incidents immediately and share more accurate data on beam direction and location. Police units have been asked to intensify patrolling in areas near known interference zones.
Meanwhile, AAI officials have requested a city-wide ban on high-powered handheld laser devices, citing their growing misuse during rooftop events, public gatherings, and private parties. “We are also distributing pamphlets and awareness messages across neighbourhoods, stressing that laser beams are not toys — they are dangerous tools when misused,” an official said.
The increasing frequency of such incidents highlights the gap between urban growth and aviation safety enforcement. In a city like Chennai, where the airport is surrounded by dense residential and commercial clusters, unregulated recreational activity directly affects public safety. Urban design experts suggest that flight corridors should be treated as light-sensitive zones. They recommend stronger regulatory frameworks to limit the sale and use of laser pointers, especially in areas close to airport approach paths.
As Indian cities modernise and air traffic increases, the need to integrate safety into city planning becomes more urgent. If not addressed now, unchecked laser use may soon disrupt the growing demand for night operations, affecting both domestic and international air traffic.
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