Lasers, Light Shows Banned Near Noida Airport: What’s Allowed and What Isn’t

The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has prohibited laser beams, laser shows, displays and other hazardous artificial lighting within a 27-km radius of Noida International Airport, citing aviation safety. The order covers the area around the Jewar airport and covers lighting used for shows and displays.

The restriction is based on the Aircraft Act, 2024, and Rule 66(1) of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, read with Rule 6(1) of the October 10, 2023 notification. The amended rule covers lantern kites, wish kites, laser lights and other lights that may disrupt safe aircraft operations or pose a hazard to operating crew.

The safety concern is significant during take-offs and landings. Powerful laser beams or directed lights can distract pilots, cause glare, flash blindness or temporary after-images, and reduce situational awareness. This can make it harder to identify runways, aircraft or cockpit information.

The affected zone extends beyond the airport boundary and can include villages, residential areas, hotels, banquet venues, event spaces and commercial establishments inside the radius. Affected activities include weddings, concerts, festivals, light-and-sound shows and advertising displays using high-intensity lighting.

However, the order should not be read as a blanket ban on every ordinary household, street or building light. Its focus is on prohibited lighting and artificial illumination that can create an aviation hazard.

Permission may be relevant because the administration has warned that unauthorized use will constitute a violation. The 2023 rules also provide for an appeal to the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) where a person has reasonable cause to operate a light, after complying with directions to stop or screen it.

Enforcement can include notices requiring lights to be extinguished or screened. If a notice is ignored for 24 hours, authorities can enter the premises, extinguish the light and report the matter to police. No dedicated surveillance network has been publicly detailed.

District Magistrate Medha Roopam warned that violations can attract fines and legal action under applicable laws. The order establishes a safety buffer as the airport expands operations.