New Delhi: Police have banned the use of laser beams at events near IGI Airport following instances of pilot vision distraction, which poses a serious safety hazard to passengers, crew, and aircraft operations, officials said.
The first such incident this year was reported in February, after which complaints of laser interference with aircraft operations were received on multiple occasions from pilots of both domestic and international flights, according to police. These light shows can distract pilots as they descend towards the landing strip, added police. “Laser beams directed towards aircraft can distract pilots at a critical stage of flight, particularly during landing. The order has been circulated to the police authorities and relevant agencies, including the Union ministry of home affairs and airport authorities, while copies are also being displayed at police stations and offices of civic agencies for public information.
Any person or establishment violating the order will be liable for action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police said.
Police said several farmhouses, banquet halls, hotels and restaurants around IGI Airport use lights — including laser beams and light shows — during marriages, parties and other events. The restriction has been imposed as an immediate preventive measure to ensure the safety of aircraft, passengers and crew,” a police officer said.
