Pilot Disoriented by Laser Light, Flight Circles Mid-Air Before Landing at Kolkata Airport
The pilot briefly lost visibility after a laser flash, and the aircraft circled before landing safely with 159 passengers and crew aboard.
- On Saturday, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-184 carrying 159 passengers delayed its landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata after a bright laser beam distracted the pilot during approach.
- Approximately eight nautical miles from the runway, the pilot noticed the beam flashing towards the cockpit from the Madhyamgram-Barasat side, forcing the aircraft to circle before attempting another approach.
- The flight eventually landed safely at 11.25 pm with all passengers and crew members reported safe; airport authorities subsequently lodged a complaint with the NSCBI Airport Police Station.
- Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh noted that while laser light use is prohibited around the airport, such incidents occur occasionally and can potentially affect aircraft operations.
- Pilots have previously complained about similar laser distractions; during the 2025 Durga Puja festival, laser lights near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club caused pilot concern, leading to the show being stopped.
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Kolkata: A laser beam was fired into the cockpit of a plane carrying 159 passengers as it attempted to land. The incident took place around 11:20 pm on Saturday.
Just before landing at Kolkata airport, an incident happened with the Malaysia Airlines flight, which increased the difficulties of the pilot for some time.
<p style="text-align: justify;">A major accident was averted at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport located in West Bengal's capital <a href="https://www.abplive.com/search?s=Kolkata" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kolkata</a> on Saturday (August 8, 2026) at around 11:30 pm. Actually, Malaysia Airlines flight MH-184 from Kuala Lumpur was about to land at Kolkata airport with a total of 159 passengers, but before landing, when the p…
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