Chennai police are set to implement a rigorous Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to combat the escalating issue of laser pointer strikes near Chennai International Airport, a move expected to enhance pilot safety and urban security.
The initiative stems from a high-level meeting on 11 June attended by the Airports Authority of India, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, CISF, and Greater Chennai Police. Representatives discussed a troubling increase in laser incidents targeting aircraft during critical phases of landing. Data shared by airport officials reveals 25 laser strikes recorded in 2025, compared with 70 in 2024 and 51 in 2023. Flights approaching from the St Thomas Mount and Pallavaram corridor have been the prime targets. Pilots report that laser illumination—often green—can cause flash-blindness, creating dangerous conditions during descent.
In one June incident, a flight arriving from Pune was abruptly illuminated mid-landing, prompting an ATC alert and immediate investigation. While no accidents have occurred, aviation professionals warn that even a momentary glare could have fatal consequences . Under the new SOP, all laser-shining incidents logged by AAI will now automatically trigger FIRs instead of relying on slower, verbal reports. Enforcement will focus on night-time patrols, particularly near St Thomas Mount police district, with searches intensified to identify perpetrators in residential and event hotspots.
Authorities attribute many laser incidents to entertainment events—private parties or concerts—where laser displays inadvertently intersect with flight paths. In response, a prohibition has been imposed on laser beams, tethered balloons, drones, and light-emitting devices within airport airspace. AAI and ATC teams will now provide precise geolocation data to support swift police action Legally, offenders will be prosecuted under Section 125 and 223(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and under Aircraft Rules 65 and 66. Chennai Police Commissioners have cautioned that threatening aviation with these devices will incur stern legal consequences.
Beyond enforcement, public awareness campaigns are being coordinated. AAI has called for community vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious laser usage. Simultaneously, event organisers are being sensitised to aviation safety protocols, with regulatory bodies exploring deterrents such as laser detection systems . Experts highlight the environmental and social balance in urban safety: enforcing laser bans aids in preventing accidents while upholding citizens’ right to cultural expressions. Yet, curbing misuse of such light sources in densely populated zones remains a governance challenge.
Early local reactions are mixed. While most residents welcome proactive measures to safeguard pilots and passengers, some question whether increased enforcement may hamper cultural events. Transparency in enforcement practices and clear guidelines for event permissions will be essential for balanced compliance. From an aviation standpoint, stricter SOPs and real-time geolocation data are seen as game-changers. Detecting a laser’s source within minutes of an attack can disrupt misuse patterns, build deterrence, and reassure flight crews. As Chennai’s air traffic grows, resilience in airport security is crucial for sustainable, equitable urban expansion.
Ultimately, Chennai’s SOP signals a shift from reactive to preventive security strategy—geared towards safeguarding aviation while accommodating city life. If maintained with community engagement and technological backing, this framework could serve as a replicable model for other Indian cities confronting similar airspace threats.
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