Police warn against use of laser beams, hot air balloons near Chennai airport
Close on the heels of a complaint by a pilot about flashing of laser beam lights as a hindrance, Greater Chennai has issued a warning against use of laser beams, release of hot air balloons or tethered balloons and light emitting objects around the airspace near Chennai Airport as they pose a threat to the flight operations and safety of flight passengers.
Last Sunday, a pilot of an Emirates Airlines complained that a laser beam was flashed at the aircraft while it was making an approach to land at the Chennai airport, prompting action from authorities. The Emirates flight from Dubai to Chennai was carrying 326 passengers onboard. The aircraft was nearly six nautical miles from airport when the beam was flashed at it.
A senior police officer said a passenger had noticed the laser beam and shared it with the pilot. After landing, the pilot then contacted the Chennai airport control room and reported that the laser light was pointed at the aircraft as if to obstruct it while it was landing. Following this, the Chennai airport control room passed the information to the authorities including the city police. However, there is no formal complaint, the officer added.
In the advisory, the city police said this dangerous activity not only violates existing regulations but poses a serious threat as the laser beams can cause temporary visual impairment, when hit directly into the eyes and also distract the pilots while landing aircrafts. Further, bright laser lights can cause eye injury to the public as well. Airport operations could be disrupted or suspended for a considerable time, if the source of the illumination could not readily be identified and eliminated.
Any such use of laser beam lights or other lights are prohibited u/s 223 (a) of BNS, 2023 for violation of bans on laser lights and drones near airports. Similarly, Rule 65 and 66 of Aircrafts Rules, 1937 regulate laser lights and other aerial activities near airports. Likewise, shining a laser beam at an aircraft is a serious offence and falls under Sec 125 of BNS which defines that 'Act endangering life or personal safety of others'. Hence, it is advised to the public that no such light emitting objects may be used near the airport, said the city police.
Another officer said there are at least 50 such instances in a year. In most cases, the concerned pilot did not come forward to report it formally and they just reported to the airport authorities. 'We were not able to proceed further in such cases. In case of large functions / gatherings, we impose restrictions on the usage of laser beams and ask the organisers to strictly adhere to the conditions,' he said.
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