Laser beam disorients pilot on Malaysia Airlines flight approaching Kolkata

A Malaysia Airlines flight carrying 159 passengers was forced to circle before landing in Kolkata after a laser beam reportedly distracted the pilot during the aircraft's final approach on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred as Flight MH184 from Kuala Lumpur was preparing to land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, has prompted an investigation by local police.

According to airport sources, the flight was scheduled to land at 11:20 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026. However, when the aircraft was approximately eight nautical miles from the runway, the pilot noticed a bright laser beam flashing toward the cockpit from the direction of Madhyamgram-Barasat. The sudden flash reportedly affected the pilot's vision, momentarily disorienting him and preventing the landing at the scheduled time. The aircraft circled in the sky before making another approach and landed safely at around 11:25 p.m. All passengers and crew members were reported safe.

Following the incident, the airline informed airport authorities, who subsequently lodged a complaint with the NSCBI Airport Police Station. Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh confirmed that the use of laser lights...