At about 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, the captain of an Air India Express flight from Delhi to Surat, carrying 168 passengers, reported a bright, coloured laser beam sweeping across the night sky and briefly illuminating the cockpit. Such high‑power sky lasers are commonly deployed at concerts, festivals and large public celebrations, but they become a serious hazard when directed at aircraft during critical phases of flight.

Earlier incident

This is the second reported laser distraction in a fortnight. On June 27, a pilot of an IndiGo flight from Delhi also reported a vivid green laser beam as the aircraft approached Surat’s runway. Both incidents were traced back to the bustling Katargam suburb, located roughly 17 km northeast of the airport.

Police investigation in Katargam

Surat International Airport Director S C Bhalse told The Indian Express that the source of the lasers is still unidentified, but the Katargam police have been tasked with locating the responsible party. Investigators are reviewing all open‑air party venues, marriage halls and event plots in the area for any activity on the two nights in question.

Technical danger and legal framework

Sky lasers emit a tightly focused, high‑intensity beam that can be visible up to 10 km in clear conditions. When aimed at a low‑flying aircraft, the beam can cause temporary flash‑blindness for pilots, jeopardising take‑off and landing operations. The DGCA’s National Aviation Safety Plan (2024‑28) recorded 144 laser‑interference cases across India in 2023, underscoring the growing threat.

Future safety measures

Targeting aircraft with lasers is illegal in most jurisdictions, including India, where penalties range from hefty fines to imprisonment. Authorities have warned that once the Katargam source is identified, strict punitive action will follow to deter any repeat of such hazardous activities.