Chennai, June 8 - A serious aviation safety incident occurred at Chennai International Airport (MAA) on June 5th, when Emirates Flight EK542, a Boeing 777-300ER en route from Dubai (DXB), experienced a significant disruption during its final approach. As the aircraft, carrying 304 passengers, descended toward the runway at approximately 8:15 p.m. local time, a powerful green laser beam struck the cockpit, temporarily blinding the pilots. This alarming event forced the flight crew to abort the initial landing attempt, highlighting the growing threat of laser interference to aviation safety.
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The incident unfolded as the Boeing 777-300ER was about six nautical miles from touchdown, a critical phase of flight where pilots rely heavily on visual cues and precise control to ensure a safe landing. The green laser beam, directed at the aircraft, caused temporary blindness and significant distraction for the flight crew. Such interference is particularly hazardous during landing, as it can impair a pilot’s ability to maintain situational awareness, read instruments, or align the aircraft with the runway. In this case, the pilots responded swiftly, initiating a go-around procedure to abort the landing. They promptly informed Chennai Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the situation, and the laser was switched off shortly afterward, allowing the aircraft to circle back and land safely on the 25-end (Guindy side) of the main runway.
Laser strikes on aircraft are a recognized global safety concern, with incidents increasing in frequency. In May 2025 alone, five separate cases were reported near Chennai Airport, underscoring a troubling trend. The Greater Chennai Police (GCP) were alerted by ATC and began investigating the source of the laser, though no immediate details about the perpetrator or the exact origin were disclosed. According to a GCP advisory, directing laser beams at aircraft is a serious offense under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), classified as “an act endangering life or personal safety of others.” This legal framework reflects the gravity of such actions, which not only jeopardize the lives of passengers and crew but also risk disrupting airport operations. If the source of the laser cannot be quickly identified and neutralized, authorities may even suspend airport activity, a measure that could cause significant delays and economic impact.
The accessibility of laser devices, often used for small-scale events or recreation, has contributed to the rise in these incidents. High-powered lasers pose a particular danger, capable of causing eye damage to pilots and even bystanders on the ground. The aviation community has long recognized the risks, with studies showing that laser illumination can lead to flash blindness, a temporary visual impairment similar to the effect of a bright camera flash, or distract pilots during critical maneuvers. In response, the Airfield Environment Management Committee at Chennai Airport has been working to raise awareness about the hazards of laser interference, emphasizing the need for public education and stricter enforcement. Emirates, a leading global airline, has not released specific details about the condition of the pilots or any potential long-term effects from the incident. However, the safe landing of Flight EK542 demonstrates the professionalism and training of the flight crew, who managed to navigate a high-risk situation effectively. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting aircraft from external threats and the ongoing need for collaboration between aviation authorities, law enforcement, and the public to ensure the safety of air travel. As investigations continue, the hope is that stronger measures will be implemented to prevent future occurrences and safeguard the skies.