A Malaysia Airlines flight approaching Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport circles in the sky after the pilot is temporarily affected by a laser beam, and it eventually lands safely later that night. Reports say the laser flashes toward the cockpit during the approach, disrupting the pilot’s vision and causing momentary disorientation.
According to multiple outlets, the issue occurs when the aircraft is several nautical miles from the runway, and the pilot misses the scheduled landing window. The aircraft then performs holding/circling before making another approach and landing around 11.25 pm. Airport sources say the airline informs airport authorities after the incident.
Kolkata airport authorities lodge a complaint with airport police, who investigate the matter. The outlets describe laser use near airports as prohibited and potentially hazardous during critical phases of flight. Some reports also note that pilots have previously raised concerns about similar laser incidents around airports.
