Malaysia Airlines flight disoriented by laser beam near Kolkata

Malaysia Airlines flight MH-184, traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata, was forced to circle mid-air on Saturday night after the pilot was disoriented by a bright laser beam. The aircraft, carrying 159 passengers, was approximately eight nautical miles from the runway at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport when the laser beam flashed toward the cockpit from the Madhyamgram-Barasat area.

The sudden flash momentarily impaired the pilot's vision, preventing a landing at the scheduled time of 11:20 pm. The flight successfully landed at approximately 11:25 pm, and all passengers and crew members were reported safe.

Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh stated that the use of laser lights around the airport is prohibited. Following the incident, a complaint was lodged at the NSCBI Airport Police Station, and authorities are currently investigating the matter. Similar concerns were noted during the 2025 Durga Puja festival, where a laser show was stopped due to pilot complaints.