An Air India Express flight carrying 168 passengers experienced a tense moment while landing at Surat airport late on Saturday night after a powerful laser beam briefly flashed into the aircraft’s cockpit, distracting the pilots during the final stage of landing.
The incident took place at around 11 pm when the flight from Delhi was approaching Surat. According to airport officials, a bright coloured laser beam suddenly swept across the flight deck, momentarily lighting up the cockpit. Although the aircraft landed safely and no one was injured, authorities have launched an investigation into the source of the laser.
The incident has raised concerns because it is the second such case reported near Surat airport within just two weeks.
Second Laser Incident in a Fortnight
Airport officials said a similar incident was reported on June 27. On that occasion, the pilot of an IndiGo flight arriving from Delhi also noticed a bright green laser beam while approaching the runway for landing.
In both cases, the laser is believed to have originated from the Katargam area, a busy residential and commercial locality located around 17 kilometres northeast of Surat airport.
Officials are now trying to determine whether the laser beams were intentionally directed at the aircraft or were being used during celebrations such as weddings or outdoor parties.
Police Checking Party Venues and Event Locations
Surat International Airport Director S.C. Bhalse said the exact source of the laser has not yet been identified.
According to him, the beam may have come from a wedding function, party, or another public event in the Katargam area where high-powered laser lights were being used. Airport authorities have informed the local police, who are now investigating the matter. Officials have said strict action will be taken once those responsible are identified.
Katargam Police Inspector L.R. Gohil said officers have contacted open party plots and event venues in the area to collect details of programmes held on both June 27 and July 11. Police are examining whether any event organisers used laser lighting on those nights.
What Are Sky Lasers?
The laser seen by the pilots is believed to be a “sky laser” or “landmark laser” rather than a small handheld laser pointer.
Sky lasers are powerful lighting systems that project bright, narrow beams high into the night sky. These beams are often fluorescent green or yellow-green because those colours are easiest for the human eye to see. They are commonly used at weddings, concerts, promotional events, and large outdoor celebrations to attract attention from long distances.
Unlike ordinary laser pointers, sky lasers are fixed installations designed to project light several kilometres into the sky.
However, even some handheld laser pointers, which are easily available in the market, can project beams across several kilometres under favourable conditions.
Why Laser Beams Are Dangerous for Aircraft
Although laser beams may appear harmless from the ground, they can become a serious safety risk for aircraft, especially during take-off and landing.
When a laser enters the cockpit of a low-flying aircraft, it can temporarily blind or distract pilots at a time when they need maximum concentration. Even a narrow beam can spread over a larger area as it travels through the atmosphere, illuminating much of the cockpit.
Such sudden flashes can reduce a pilot’s visibility for a few moments, increasing the risk during one of the most critical phases of flight.
DGCA Has Flagged Laser Interference as a Safety Threat
India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has already identified laser interference as an important aviation safety concern.
According to the National Aviation Safety Plan 2024-28, laser beams can distract pilots, cause temporary blindness, and create dangerous situations during take-off and landing. The DGCA recorded 144 laser interference incidents across India during 2023.
Several similar cases have also been reported around Chennai airport during 2024 and 2025, highlighting that the problem is not limited to Surat.
Lasering Aircraft Is Illegal in Many Countries
Directing laser beams towards aircraft is considered a serious offence in many countries because it can endanger passenger safety.
Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union have strict laws that allow heavy fines and even imprisonment for people found aiming lasers at aircraft.
Investigation Continues
Police and airport authorities are continuing their investigation to identify where the laser beams originated and whether they were used intentionally or accidentally during public events.
Officials say appropriate legal action will be taken once those responsible are identified. Meanwhile, the two incidents within a short span have once again highlighted the dangers of using powerful laser lights near airport flight paths and the need for greater public awareness about aviation safety.
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