A troubling pattern has emerged in Chennai’s airspace, with laser beams repeatedly targeting passenger aircraft during critical landing phases, raising questions over whether these are isolated acts or signs of something more sinister.
The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when Air India Express Flight IX2660 from Pune, carrying over 170 passengers, was hit by a white laser beam just three nautical miles from touchdown on runway 25 at Chennai International Airport. The beam, directed at the aircraft’s right side during descent at 1:03 AM, has prompted renewed alarm. Descent, a highly sensitive phase for flight safety, offers little room for error, making such interference potentially catastrophic.
This marks the 27th recorded laser-related incident this year at Chennai airport. Significantly, it is the third such case in less than a month. A week earlier, an Emirates flight from Dubai with over 300 passengers was targeted by a green laser beam approximately 13 nautical miles from the airport, near the densely populated St Thomas Mount area. The pilot immediately reported the strike to air traffic control, triggering a referral to local police.
Back in May, a similar laser incident was reported during another aircraft’s approach, indicating a recurring risk pattern concentrated near flight paths, particularly in known residential zones.
Despite multiple warnings from the Greater Chennai Police, including a public advisory against the use of laser pointers, hot air balloons, and kites near airport zones, the strikes persist. These repeated violations, specifically in proximity to crowded urban localities, have intensified concerns within aviation and law enforcement circles.
Authorities at Chennai airport have reported Tuesday’s incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the airport police, and the Air India Express station manager. No emergency was declared, and following flights reportedly encountered no issues. However, officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway.
While the Airports Authority of India (AAI) maintains that pilots responded with professionalism and composure, it has taken serious note of the ongoing incidents. AAI also criticized sections of the media for what it termed “exaggerated” coverage, warning against unnecessary panic. However, the repeated targeting of aircraft with lasers, devices easily obtainable and seemingly used with precision, continues to deepen suspicion.
In recent internal discussions, AAI and other stakeholders resolved to strengthen coordination with pilots to accurately trace the source of these laser strikes. Air traffic controllers have been asked to extract detailed real-time information from affected flight crews, to assist police in identifying the origin points. Specific zones with a history of laser activity are now under increased surveillance.
