The Belagavi airport in Sambra has been alerted by the Mopa airport authorities in Goa following a complaint by pilots. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
Belagavi airport authorities have urged people not to flash laser lights in the sky as it may affect the vision of pilots of flying aircraft.
This follows a complaint by some pilots to Goa’s Mopa airport authorities. In turn, the Mopa authorities alerted Belagavi Airport Director S. Thiagarajan.
He then asked police officers from Karnataka and Maharashtra to investigate.
Pilots had earlier complained of being inconvenienced when someone sent a laser beam at their plane on Sunday.
A team of officers from Nippani registered a case and started searching for the source of the light.
Meanwhile, a team from Gadhinglaj in Maharashtra has also started an investigation. They obtained the latitude and longitude coordinates from the aviation authorities. Deputy Superintendent of Police Chikkodi is monitoring the investigation.
Belagavi Airport has issued a public warning against people pointing laser beams or powerful searchlights into the sky. Such high-intensity lasers can cause temporary “flash blindness” in pilots, especially during critical phases such as takeoff and landing, posing a serious risk to flight safety.
Mr. Thiagarajan said pointing lasers at an aircraft was a serious offense punishable under the law and strict action, including criminal charges, could be taken against those responsible.
Boras Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao has appealed to the public not to use drones around the Belagavi airport.
In a public notice, the police commissioner said the director general of civil aviation (DGCA) has declared an 8 km radius around the Sambra airport as a red zone.
Flying any type of drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in this area, including the red and yellow zones, is strictly prohibited. Citizens have been warned against operating drones in restricted zones. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the order, the report said.
Published – 05 March 2026 21:00 IST
