Second Laser Incident in 15 Days Reported at Surat Airport as Pilot Lands Flight
On Saturday night, July 11, around 11 pm, the pilot of an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Surat reported a bright laser beam entering the cockpit during landing. The aircraft carried 168 passengers. This marks the second such incident in 15 days, raising concerns about aviation safety.
The beam, described as a powerful coloured light similar to those used at outdoor parties, originated from the Katargam suburb, about 17 km northeast of the airport. Police are investigating both incidents. S C Bhalse, Director of Surat International Airport, said: 'We do not yet know who was responsible. There may have been a party or marriage event where these lights were used. We have informed the Katargam police to probe.'
Laser beacons, also known as sky lasers, project bright, tightly focused beams visible up to 10 km away. A previous incident on June 27 involved an IndiGo flight from Delhi, where the pilot saw a brilliant green beam while approaching the runway. Katargam Police Inspector L R Gohil stated: 'It is not clear whether an individual is responsible or if the laser came from an event. We are investigating party plots in the area.'
Sky lasers pose serious hazards to aviation. A laser beam striking a cockpit can cause temporary flash-blindness, especially dangerous during takeoff and landing. Such acts are illegal in most countries; in the United States, violators face fines and imprisonment. Surat International Airport, serving 6 million residents in Surat and 12 million in South Gujarat, lies about 7 km from Dumas beach. Air India Express officials were unavailable for comment.
