Kolkata: A Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur faced trouble while landing at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata on Saturday night after the pilot was distracted by a laser beam. ADVERTISEMENTThe aircraft could not land at the first attempt as the sudden laser flash affected the pilot’s vision, momentarily disorienting him. The use of laser lights around the airport is prohibited, but such incidents occur occasionally and can potentially affect aircraft operations, Kolkata airport director Vikram Singh said. Intense laser beams can temporarily impair a pilot’s vision, causing distraction and even temporary blindness-like effects, posing a risk during the critical stages of take-off and landing that have to be performed manually. A laser show near the Sreebhumi Sporting Club pandal, close to the airport, reportedly caused concern among pilots, during the Durga Puja festival in 2025.