Laser-Blinded: The Soaring Threats to Air Travel

A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur was forced to circle above Kolkata after its pilot was momentarily blinded by a laser beam. This incident on Flight MH-184 is part of a disturbing trend of increasing threats to air travel security.

The use of lasers around airports has long been prohibited, but the frequency and severity of incidents are rising. In 2020, a British Airways pilot had to divert a flight from Los Angeles due to a laser strike, while Indian airport authorities have repeatedly issued warnings about the dangers of laser beams aimed at aircraft.

The “fly-by-wire” control systems used by modern jets are incredibly sophisticated, but they can also be easily compromised by a well-placed laser beam. This vulnerability is exacerbated by the growing complexity of air travel technology, which makes it increasingly susceptible to external disruptions.

As air traffic continues to grow, so does the risk of catastrophic incidents due to human error or technological vulnerabilities. The 2009 crash of a Polish Air Force plane carrying Poland’s president near Smolensk highlighted the fragility of modern air travel, even when attributed to human factors rather than technical malfunctions.

The incident at Kolkata airport also raises questions about airport security protocols. Vikram Singh, the Kolkata airport director, acknowledged that while laser strikes are occasional, they can have serious consequences for aircraft operations. The fact that the airline and authorities did not immediately alert the public is concerning, given the potential for panic and disruption in such situations.

To address this growing threat, governments, airlines, and airports must take a more proactive stance against laser-related threats. This includes stepped-up enforcement of existing regulations and investment in advanced technologies to detect and neutralize such threats. It also requires greater transparency and communication with passengers and crew about potential risks.

In the absence of effective measures, air travel remains at risk from external disruptions, where technology’s benefits are constantly at risk of being undone by human error or laser attacks.