Laser beams from city events striking planes worry airport authorities

In the last 18 months, at least ten cases of laser beams being flashed at airplanes have been reported in the city. Pilots are facing serious problems while landing and taking off at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport due to laser beams flashed at the airplanes blinding the pilot and distracting them, which could lead to a major mishap. In 2017, four such incidents have been reported by the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) to the Airport Police Station.

According to the police, most instances occur in Kurla, Saki Naka and Andheri — areas close to the international airport.

Major events in the city using high beam lights are a major nuisance to the pilots. Despite several restrictions by the Mumbai police on the use of high beam lights at marriage functions and Bollywood events, the use of such lights continue to be a distraction.

In 2016, a pilot from Air France on a Paris-Mumbai flight had a bad experience while landing at Mumbai and a case was lodged at Saki Naka police station. The laser beam was flashed from the Jari Mari area and a combing operation was carried out by police. However, the culprit could not be traced.

"When we are informed by the ATC, our officers gather information about the place and the local police station is informed about the incident," said a police officer.

Alka Mandave, Senior Inspector, Airport Police station said, "We have informed event organisers in neighbouring police jurisdictions not to use high beam sky lights which would lead to penalty and seizure of equipment."