A Malaysia Airlines flight carrying 159 passengers had to make a second landing attempt at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on Saturday night after a laser beam was reportedly flashed towards its cockpit, forcing the plane to circle back. The flight later landed safely, and all passengers and crew members were safe.

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Laser Beam Disorients Pilot, Forcing Malaysia Airlines Flight To Circle Before Landing

Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-184 from Kuala Lumpur was scheduled to land in Kolkata at around 11:20 PM on Saturday. However, when the aircraft was about eight nautical miles from the runway, the pilot noticed a bright laser beam from the Madhyamgram-Barasat area, news agency PTI reported.

The sudden flash temporarily disoriented the pilot, preventing the aircraft from landing at the scheduled time and forcing it to circle before making a second approach. The plane eventually landed safely at around 11:25 PM, and all passengers and crew members were reported safe.

Kolkata Airport Authorities File Complaint

Following the incident, Malaysia Airlines alerted airport authorities about the laser disruption. Kolkata Airport authorities subsequently lodged a complaint with the NSCBI Airport Police Station, prompting an investigation.

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Kolkata Airport Director Vikram Singh stated that laser lights are strictly prohibited around the airport as they can interfere with flight operations. He emphasised that while such incidents occur occasionally, they pose a serious safety risk, particularly during takeoff and landing.

Pilots have repeatedly raised concerns about laser beams affecting their vision during critical phases of flight. During the 2025 Durga Puja festival, laser lights used near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal caused safety concerns among pilots, leading organisers to stop the show.

According to sources cited by PTI, intense laser beams can temporarily blind, distract, or disorient a pilot, creating significant safety risks during take-off and landing.

(With PTI Inputs)