Malaysia Airlines Flight MH-184 Landing Delayed at Kolkata Airport After Laser Strikes Cockpit

A Malaysia Airlines flight carrying 159 passengers from Kuala Lumpur faced a delayed landing at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport after a bright laser beam disoriented the pilot near the runway. The aircraft circled safely before landing, prompting airport authorities to lodge a formal police complaint over prohibited laser usage.

Post Published By: Sreeja Chowdhury

Updated : 9 August 2026, 7:22 PM IST

Malaysia Flight News (Img: AI Generated)

Kolkata: A Malaysia Airlines flight arriving in Kolkata from Kuala Lumpur circled in the sky for a while on Saturday night after being struck by a laser beam. There were 159 passengers on board. The pilot was momentarily disoriented by the intense laser light, making it impossible to land the aircraft at the scheduled time. However, the plane eventually landed safely, and all passengers and crew members remained unharmed.

Filght circled in the air due to momentary distraction

Flight MH-184 was scheduled to land at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport at 11:20 PM. According to airport sources, a bright laser beam was seen flashing towards the cockpit from the direction of Madhyamgram-Barasat when the aircraft was approximately eight nautical miles away from the runway.

The light struck the pilot directly in the eyes, affecting his vision and causing momentary distraction. Given the situation, the aircraft did not land immediately; instead, it circled in the air before initiating the landing process again. The plane landed safely at the airport around 11:25 PM.

Airport administration lodges complaint with police

Following the incident, Malaysia Airlines informed the airport authorities. The airport management has lodged a complaint at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport police station. Airport Director Vikram Singh stated that the use of laser lights in the vicinity of the airport is prohibited. Despite this, such incidents occasionally occur, posing a serious threat to flight operations. The police have been informed, and an investigation is underway.

Pilots have previously reported issues caused by laser beams during takeoff and landing. Pilots had also expressed concern regarding the use of laser lights near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal during the 2025 Durga Puja, following which the laser show was discontinued. Intense laser beams can temporarily impair a pilot's vision. Such lights can pose a serious risk to aircraft safety, particularly during critical phases like takeoff and landing.