Mysuru: The Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) Mysore Airport at Mandakalli on the Mysuru-Nanjangud Highway has raised serious concerns over the increasing use of laser lights directed at aircraft, warning that such acts could jeopardise flight safety by impairing pilots’ vision during critical phases of take-off and landing. 

In a press release, Airport Director P.V. Ushakumari issued a strong public advisory against the use of laser lights, laser beams and high-intensity searchlights aimed at the sky, aircraft or the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower. 

Wedding season menace 

With the festive and wedding season underway, she cautioned that decorative laser displays, often used during celebrations, pose a grave threat to aviation safety and could endanger the lives of passengers, crew and air traffic controllers. 

Explaining the risks, Ushakumari said laser strikes can cause flash blindness, severe cockpit disorientation and interfere with ATC operations.  

Even momentary exposure to a laser beam can temporarily blind pilots until their vision recovers, making it particularly dangerous during take-off and landing, when uninterrupted visibility is crucial. 

She noted that pilots may initially be unable to identify the source of the light and could fear a more serious threat, further adding to cockpit stress and confusion. 

Green laser pointers, which are widely available at low prices, are especially hazardous because of their high intensity and ability to travel long distances without losing focus, she said. 

Prosecution, fines and imprisonment 

The Airport Director pointed out that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated a 25-km ‘laser-free zone’ around airports to prevent such incidents.  

Under Rule 66 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, the use of laser lights and other false lights in the vicinity of airports and aerodromes is strictly prohibited. Interfering with aircraft operations through laser lights is treated as a serious offence. 

Violators are liable for prosecution under the Aircraft Act, 1934, Aircraft Rules, 1937, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and the DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirements. Offenders may face prosecution, fines and imprisonment. 

Mandatory permission 

The Airport Director also urged event organisers, marriage halls and religious institutions located within a 20-km radius of Mysore Airport to refrain from using skyward laser displays, fireworks and sky lanterns.  

Organisers of large outdoor events have been advised to inform airport authorities at least 48 hours in advance if fireworks or light shows are planned. 

She further noted that in 2022, the Ministry of Civil Aviation proposed amendments to the existing framework, recommending police action against individuals found flashing laser lights at aircraft. Appealing for public cooperation, Ushakumari said, “Aviation safety is a shared responsibility. A single laser beam can endanger hundreds of lives. We appeal to citizens to celebrate responsibly and help keep Mysuru skies safe.” 

Members of the public can report incidents to Mysore Airport Control on Ph: 0821-2596320.