Malaysia Airlines Flight Faces Laser Scare Before Safe Kolkata Landing

A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur carrying 159 passengers was forced to circle briefly before landing at Kolkata airport after a laser beam reportedly distracted and momentarily disoriented the pilot during the final approach.

Flight MH-184 was scheduled to land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport at 11.20 pm on Saturday. When the aircraft was about eight nautical miles from the runway, the pilot reportedly spotted a bright laser beam flashing towards the cockpit from the Madhyamgram-Barasat side, according to airport sources.

The intense light affected the pilot’s vision, making it difficult to continue the approach safely. The aircraft therefore circled briefly before making another approach and finally landing safely at about 11.25 pm.

All passengers and crew members were reported safe.

Following the incident, Malaysia Airlines informed airport authorities, while Kolkata airport officials lodged a complaint with the NSCBI Airport Police Station. Police are investigating the source of the laser beam and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh said the use of laser lights in the vicinity of an airport is prohibited. He noted that such incidents occur occasionally and can interfere with flight operations, particularly during take-off and landing.

Pilots have raised concerns about laser beams affecting their vision on previous occasions as well. During the 2025 Durga Puja festival, laser lights used near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal reportedly alarmed pilots operating in the area. The laser show was subsequently stopped.

Laser strikes are considered a serious aviation safety hazard because powerful beams can temporarily impair a pilot’s vision, cause distraction or create effects resembling temporary blindness. Such interference can be especially dangerous when an aircraft is close to the ground and pilots are handling critical landing procedures.

The incident involving MH-184 highlights the continuing safety risks posed by unauthorised laser activity around airports. Authorities are expected to examine the complaint and identify those responsible, as preventing laser illumination of aircraft remains essential to maintaining safe flight operations.