Laser beam from city hits landing aircraft

Panaji: A high powered laser was pointed at an aircraft that was about to land at the Goa International Airport, on Wednesday. The Indian Navy has alerted the state authorities and warned that this could have had significant consequences on the pilots and passengers.

According to the Indian Navy, a strong laser beam was pointed towards the cockpit of the aircraft during the final stage of landing. The Navy said that the laser originated from Panaji. Goa International Airport functions out of the naval airbase INS Hansa. The navy operates the air traffic control for military and civilian flights.

As per protocol, all aircraft inform the ATC about potential hazards during approach or prior to take off so that pilots of other aircraft can be alerted.

“It was a high powered laser beam which appears small on ground and the illumination expands by the time it reaches the cockpit and the dazzling effect could cause temporary blindness to the pilots leading to inadvertent hazardous situations to the public as well as the passengers travelling in the plane,” said the North Goa collector’s office in an advisory.

The state authorities have asked the public and tourists to avoid shining lasers at aircraft as such acts are illegal and punishable offence under the law. The North Goa collector has also said that safety of the aviation (sector) and smooth functioning is paramount.