By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Bangladeshi Pilots Warn Laser Strikes Increasing
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2024 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Bangladeshi Pilots Warn Laser Strikes Increasing

Bangladeshi Pilots Warn Laser Strikes Increasing

Fraser Watt
Last updated: 9 April 2022 11:14
By Fraser Watt 3 Min Read
Share
© GUDWlN
SHARE

Pilots in Bangladesh have warned a major incident is at risk of occurring due to an increase in laser strikes during nighttime take-offs and landings.

Both local and foreign pilots flying to and from the nation’s largest airport have reported incidents of laser strikes almost every day in recent months, according to Group Captain AHM Touhid-ul Ahsan, a former executive director at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

Laser illumination in an aircraft cockpit is a particular issue as it can cause distraction, disorientation or, in serious instances, temporary incapacitation due to flash blindness.

“Major accident could happen at any time”

“The laser strikes have reached such a level that a major accident could happen at any time,” said Syed Nazmul Hasan, a senior pilot at national flag carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines.

Inadequate countermeasures offered by the nation’s aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, mean that although specific data isn’t collected, multiple incidents are happening each night, according to Captain Ahsan.

bangladesh pilots report increase in laser strikes
Pilots at Bangladesh’s flag carrier, Biman,  are among those reporting an increase in laser strikes | © Anujan Anton / TravelRadar

CAAB’s existing countermeasures include raising awareness through sending text messages, placing adverts on local TV networks and informing law enforcement agencies to identify the perpetrators. Most industry professionals agree that they are not adequate to stop the laser strikes

Zero arrests or fines to date

Shining lasers at aircraft in Bangladesh is punishable under the Civil Aviation Authority Act of 2017. However, sources familiar with the industry say there have been no recorded instances of arrest or imposing fines since the law was implemented.

Another Biman pilot, who asked to remain anonymous, told reporters, “I keep my head down during landing in order to make sure the laser does not impact me.”

Laser strikes are also a complicated problem for airlines across the world. According to the US aviation regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration, there were over 35,000 similar incidents in the US between 2016 and 2021.

Similarly difficult to tackle, Gatwick Airport was paralysed for three days in 2018 as authorities tried to locate the operator of a reported drone flying close to the runway. A similar incident occurred in Frankfurt in 2020.

Can Bangladeshi authorities do more to prevent laser strikes on aircraft? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

You Might Also Like

Delta and Korean Air to Acquire Minority Stakes in WestJet

Domestic US flights now require a Real ID

Finnair Launches New Destination of Kirkenes

Hawaiian Airlines and Disney Reveal Lilo & Stitch Livery

Belfast International Airport Unveils First Upgrade in £100 Million Plan

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Fraser Watt
By Fraser Watt
Jr Journalist - A little about me coming soon!
Previous Article Aeroflot A320 moments before landing. @ Anton Jerad / Travel Radar Passenger-growth projections amid the Ukraine war
Next Article Airport Staff Fail Alcohol Tests in India
Leave a comment
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Air Canada aircraft and The Landline Company motorcoach
Air Canada and The Landline Company Extend Agreement for Luxury Land-Air Connections
Airlines Airports Aviation Travel
© Dream of Travel Writing
How travel can be a learning experience
Did You Know Travel Radar
© National Geographic
Travel as a Topic for a Reflective Essay
Did You Know Travel
A photo of United Airlines Boeing 767-300 gets loaded at Chicago O'Hare
United Airlines Ventures Invests in Twelve for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Airline Economics Aviation Technology
Great Mosque of Cordoba © Shutterstock
Abbas Sherif Alaskari: Exploring the World with an Architect’s Eye
Aviation Did You Know Travel
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Press & PR
  • Privacy & Legal

Our Content

  • News
  • Data
  • Images
  • Jobs
  • Subscribe

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Click here to Signup!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Ads help us bring you high-quality, independent journalism for free. Support us by whitelisting us from your ad blocker.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?