So far, 27 instances of laser beam interference reported at Chennai airport this year
Around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, when an Air India Express flight from Pune was approaching the city, a white laser beam struck the aircraft. Officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) said the incident occurred when the flight was nearly three nautical miles from touchdown. The pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC), and a complaint was also filed in this regard at the Airport police station. The flights arriving after that did not face any such interference.
A few weeks ago, Emirates and Gulf Air flights encountered laser beam interferences, taking the number of incidents to 27 till June 2025, when compared to 65 incidents last year. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in its National Aviation Safety Plan 2024-28, said: 'Laser interference during critical phases of flight poses a significant hazard and can jeopardize the safety of the aircraft. It can cause distractions, temporary blindness, and startle response in the pilot.'
AAI officials said if the information about laser beam interferences was reported immediately by pilots, then it would be easier to trace the offenders. Though some are reported immediately, pilots sometimes file a report only after they return to their bases. It is already too late by this time, officials said. They held an extensive meeting in this regard with the members of the Greater Chennai Police, the DGCA, airline operators, and ATC. They had also asked the DGCA if laser lights could be banned to prevent such incidents.
'Since air traffic controllers communicate with pilots, we have requested them to ask pilots for more information that may assist in locating the spot from where the laser was fired. The police asked for zones where past incidents occurred to keep a heightened vigil. When pilots and air traffic controllers give us information to determine the precise location of the laser beam, it will become possible to locate those responsible,' an official said.
The AAI reiterated that they had been constantly taking measures to raise awareness on laser light interference among the public, giving away pamphlets about the hazards of laser lights and the danger it poses to flights approaching the airport.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
In Kuwait? Here's how to spot fake Airline ticket offers: Top tips from authorities
TL;DR: Fake airline promotions and ticket scams are rising especially on social media and unlicensed websites. Authorities including NBK , DGCA, and airport security warn travellers to verify agencies, avoid extreme discounts, and book only through official channels. , DGCA, and airport security warn travellers to verify agencies, avoid extreme discounts, and book only through official channels. Key red flags: unrealistically low fares, unclear contact info, last-minute offers, and unknown payment methods. Always check your PNR with the airline to confirm bookings. Passengers in Kuwait are increasingly targeted by fraudsters offering fake airline deals, especially during travel spikes. The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), in partnership with the Central Bank, and the Kuwait Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have issued warnings to travellers to beware of suspicious offers, particularly those advertised via social media or shadowy websites. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Common fraud tactics Pretend local websites with Kuwaiti Numbers Some fake platforms show Kuwaiti landline numbers and claim legitimacy but use fake business addresses. Violations include fake reservation systems and issuing tickets at unauthorized prices. Fake ticket reservations via electronic platforms Fake bookings via apps or websites especially during Eid or holiday seasons have cost travellers millions of dinars. Reports indicate up to 3,000 complaints annually, with 80% linked to foreign-run servers. Illicit middlemen & freelancer listings Unlicensed sellers on WhatsApp or freelancer ads often lure victims with large discounts before disappearing post-payment. This includes fraudulent ticket sales and unverified booking confirmations. How to protect yourself: Expert tips Book only with verified sources Always book flights directly via airline sites or certified travel agents with DGCA and Ministry of Commerce licenses. Don't be dazzled by unbelievable discounts If the price seems far below the norm, treat it as a red flag, it could be a scam using stolen or fraudulent card info. Verify booking with PNR & Airline Immediately after purchase, check your PNR code on the airline's official site or app to confirm legitimacy. Avoid tickets without verifiable booking references. Avoid loose payment channels Don't pay via bank transfer, crypto, WhatsApp pay, or third-party freelancers. Opt for platforms with secure, traceable payment methods. Review terms & contact details Legitimate agencies provide addresses, hotline numbers, and clear ticket issuance policies. Absence of contact info or only social pages, is a warning sign. Why it matters Many victims discovered their tickets were invalid at airport check-in, leading to lost money and disrupted travel. Kuwait authorities launch enforcement actions against unlicensed agencies selling tickets. Education campaigns like NBK's 'Let's Be Aware' are essential in minimizing fraud, reinforcing the need for cautious consumer behaviour. In Kuwait's growing scam landscape, it's critical to rely solely on licensed sources for airline bookings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Avoid deep-discount offers from freelancers or unverified agencies, always check the PNR, and ensure your payment is secure and traceable. Government and bank authorities advise vigilance any online promotion that sounds too good to be true probably is. Your safest journey begins with certified partners and confirmed booking status. FAQ 1. How can I tell if a ticket promo is fake? Look for ultra-low fares, fuzzy contact info, last-minute travel dates, and unverified agents, common scam indicators. 2. How do I confirm my ticket is real? Use your booking reference (PNR) on the airline's official website or app immediately after purchase. 3. Can I use a freelancer or small agent? Avoid those without official licenses or clear contact details. Only use verified travel agents endorsed by DGCA. 4. What do I do if I suspect a scam? Report the seller to the Consumer Protection Department (hotline 135), and the DGCA with your booking copy. 5. What payment methods are safe? Use secure credit card or payment gateway with invoicing; don't pay via bank transfer, crypto, or to private individuals.
Hans India
11 hours ago
- Hans India
Pakistan rights body condemns terror charges against 7-year-old boy in Balochistan
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has strongly condemned the registration of terrorism charges against a seven-year-old boy in Balochistan, calling the move a 'grave violation of human rights' and a disturbing reflection of the misuse of anti-terror laws in the country. 'In Turbat, Balochistan, registering an FIR under terrorism clauses against a 7-year-old minor is highly condemnable and a severe violation of human rights. This step is not only contrary to the spirit of the law but also a blatant violation of national and international obligations regarding the protection of children,' read a statement issued by the HRCP. 'This incident occurred when an innocent child uploaded a video on YouTube that included a speech by human rights activist Gulzar Dost. Labeling the mere sharing of a video as terrorism is an example of the unbalanced use of state power,' the statement added. The human rights body demanded immediate cancellation of this baseless FIR, protection of the child and his family from harassment, and training to law enforcement agencies on children's rights. Additionally, it called for ensuring the strict implementation of child protection laws regarding cases involving children. The HRCP appealed to the Government of Balochistan, the Ministry of Human Rights, the Chief Justice of Pakistan, and the Pakistan Commission for Human Rights to take immediate notice. Earlier on Wednesday, the HRCP expressed deep concern over the ongoing prosecution of underage children who have been subjected to trial under terrorism laws in the country's Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) for the past year. The rights body detailing the list of the children appealed to immediately halt the trial of juvenile defendants in the ATC and transfer the case to the Juvenile Court. 'It is deeply troubling and incomprehensible that, despite clear evidence of being minors, these children are being tried under anti-terrorism laws. Such judicial proceedings not only violate the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, of Pakistan, but also trample upon the fundamental human rights and constitutional protections afforded to children,' the HRCP stated.
News18
2 days ago
- News18
Air India Crash Probe: AAIB Ropes In ‘Human Factor Specialists'
This is important, as multiple reports in the Western media have laid the blame on the senior pilot for the AI-171 crash The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has roped in 'human factor specialists" besides others in its ongoing probe into the AI-171 Ahmedabad crash, the government told Parliament on Thursday. This is important, as multiple reports in the Western media have laid the blame on the senior pilot for the AI-171 crash. Both the AAIB and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have scotched such reports, appealing to all not to jump to any conclusion. The government has said all the angles are under probe. What government said 'B787 type-rated experienced pilots, type-rated engineers, aviation medicine specialist, human factor specialists and flight recorder specialists have been taken on board as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to assist the investigation," minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol told Parliament. He added that the preliminary report published on the AAIB website in July does not contain any conclusion. Defects in aircraft The government also told Parliament that a total of 2,094 investigations have been carried out against serious defects or snags reported in various aircraft during the last five years up to June 2025. These were all technical defects—514 reported in 2021, 528 in 2022, 448 in 2023, 421 in 2024, and 183 in 2025. 'All defects which are serious in nature shall be intimated immediately by all operators to DGCA. During the DGCA audit, if it is observed that defects have not been reported by the airline, DGCA initiates investigation and takes appropriate action as per enforcement policy and procedure manual," the government has said. The government also said that there have been a total of eight accidents (involving 1 scheduled aircraft, 3 trainee aircraft and 4 helicopters) reported in the year 2025. These led to the loss of 274 lives, it said. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
