The persistent issue of laser light disturbances near Kolkata Airport resurfaced with a recent incident reported on Monday. The pilot of IndiGo flight 1106, flying from Dhaka to Kolkata, encountered a laser light invasion in the aircraft cockpit shortly before landing at Kolkata Airport at approximately 7:30 PM. The matter was promptly reported to the NSCBI police station for further investigation.
Incident Details
According to an airport official, the aircraft was approximately 12 kilometers from the airport, flying over BT College in Madhyamgram, when a powerful laser light penetrated the cockpit, momentarily blinding the pilots. The flight was carrying 181 passengers and six crew members at the time of the incident.
Recent Cases
This incident follows closely on the heels of another reported case just four days prior, where the pilot of an IndiGo flight from Bagdogra had also complained about laser light intrusion, this time from somewhere around Kaikhali and Chinar Park. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges posed by laser lights in proximity to airport operations.
Regulatory Measures
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has implemented strict regulations banning laser lights within an 18.5-kilometer radius of airports. Despite these regulations, the recurrence of such incidents underscores the need for continued vigilance and enforcement measures to safeguard flight operations and passenger safety.
Conclusion
The recent incident involving laser light intrusion near Kolkata Airport underscores the ongoing threat posed by such disruptions to aviation safety. Authorities must remain vigilant in enforcing regulations and implementing measures to deter and address such incidents effectively, ensuring the safety and security of all air travelers and crew members.