Laser Blinds Emirates Pilots on Final Approach to Chennai Airport

A serious aviation safety incident unfolded at Chennai International Airport (MAA) on Thursday night, June 5, 2025, when a powerful green laser beam struck the cockpit of an incoming Emirates flight from Dubai. The interference forced the pilots of Emirates flight EK542, a Boeing 777-300ER carrying 304 passengers, to abort the initial landing attempt just six nautical miles from the runway.

The laser temporarily disabled the flight crew during final approach, prompting the pilot to go around and report to Chennai ATC. The aircraft safely landed a few moments later, on the Guindy side (25-end) of the main runway, after the laser operation ended.

ATC and Police Act Instantly

ATC promptly informed the Greater Chennai Police (GCP), who located the source of the laser. The beam was extinguished shortly after the warning, allowing the plane to land safely without any additional problems. The event occurred around 8:15 p.m., representing a disconcerting pattern of sequential laser attacks on approach aircraft at Chennai Airport.

“This is another alarming case in a growing trend of laser interference in the vicinity of the airport,” officials said, declaring it a dangerous aviation incident.

AAI and Police Serve Strong Warnings

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Greater Chennai Police issued strong public warnings following the growing trend during final approach, prompting the pilot to go around to avoid such occurrences.

Illuminating aircraft with powerful laser beams is a serious threat by affecting pilots’ eyesight, particularly during the critical landing stages,” the AAI said.

GCP echoed the message, stating, “Operation such as flashing laser beams, releasing incandescent hot air balloons, and shooting tethered or glowing objects in the vicinity of airport areas jeopardize flight safety. Offenders will face legal repercussions.

The advisory further cautioned that beam targeting of aircraft with lasers can result in temporary incapacitation for pilots, pose a threat to lives, and create significant disruption in airport activities. Under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), such an act falls under the heading of “an Act endangering life or personal safety of others.”

Surge in Laser Incidents Around Chennai Airport

The Emirates incident is not an isolated one. At least five cases of laser interference were confirmed by the authorities during May 2025 alone. On May 25, someone directed another green beam at an Emirates Boeing 777-300 plane while it was descending.

There was also a laser strike against a Gulf Air aircraft on the previous day of the recent Emirates incident, which shows the increasing trend of laser attacks near the airport.

Airport authorities emphasized that such incidents threaten flight safety and may force them to suspend airport operations if they cannot quickly isolate and eliminate the laser source. Powerful lasers have the potential to even inflict eye injury on the general public, the advisory continued.

With repeated incidents and increasing alarm among aviation authorities, police agencies are stepping up surveillance and public awareness campaigns to avoid more laser attacks.