Greater Chennai Police (GCP) has initiated a comprehensive plan to curb the alarming rise in laser beam incidents targeting aircraft near the Chennai International Airport. This coordinated move includes intensified patrolling, formulation of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), and strict enforcement measures aimed at deterring the dangerous practice of aiming lasers at aircraft during approach or landing.
The initiative was prompted by a series of concerning incidents, with 25 laser strikes reported so far in 2025. In 2024, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) recorded 70 such cases—up from 51 in 2023—highlighting a persistent and growing menace. The laser beams, often emanating from surrounding neighbourhoods such as St Thomas Mount and Pallavaram, have been known to distract and temporarily impair pilots’ vision during critical flight phases.
In a high-level meeting held on June 11, senior police officials, AAI representatives, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel reviewed the situation. The meeting, chaired by a senior police official, led to the formation of a joint enforcement and surveillance plan. The new SOP mandates enhanced night patrols, use of geolocation data to track laser sources, and a commitment from the AAI to file written complaints—allowing the police to pursue legal action against offenders under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
Officials suspect many of the laser beams originate from social gatherings and public events that use high-powered laser lights as part of stage or decorative lighting. While often unintentional, their misdirection toward the sky poses a serious aviation hazard. Investigators believe these instances are largely due to negligence, not malice, but have warned that even accidental violations will face strict penalties.
Under Section 223(a) of the BNS, the use of lasers or drones near airports is prohibited. Additionally, Section 125 treats such actions as offences endangering life or personal safety. The Aircraft Rules of 1937 further restrict aerial activities near airports, reinforcing the legal framework to prosecute violators.The GCP has announced that officers from the St Thomas Mount district—under which the airport falls—will carry out focused surveillance and act on any leads regarding misuse of laser devices. Going forward, the police will rely on specific complaint letters from the AAI and intelligence gathered from radar and air traffic control to trace the origin of the beams. Written complaints are now essential, as oral submissions were previously insufficient for registering formal cases.
Aviation experts and pilots have welcomed the move, stating that even a momentary laser flash can cause temporary blindness, disorientation, or distraction—particularly during landings in low-light or adverse weather conditions. Such incidents not only endanger hundreds of lives on board but also place pressure on airport operations and emergency services.Authorities are also working on public outreach measures to educate citizens on the dangers and legal implications of misusing laser equipment. Event organisers, especially in areas surrounding the airport, will be required to ensure laser lighting is restricted and oriented away from flight paths.
As part of its citywide effort to promote safety and sustainability, Chennai’s response to this crisis aligns with broader urban governance goals: ensuring secure public infrastructure, enabling responsible behaviour, and fostering inter-agency collaboration. While enforcement is being strengthened, officials stress that public awareness and responsible conduct remain the first line of defence in keeping Chennai’s skies safe.
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