United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Laser strike forces New York bound jet to turn around
Sunday, 16 Feb, 2016
0
A New York bound Virgin Atlantic flight was forced to turn back to London after reports that the pilot was affected by a laser pointed at the cockpit.
The Aviation Herald said the crew reported one of the pilots has been affected by a laser strike after take-off from Heathrow Airport.
Virgin said that the flight was turned around ‘as a precautionary measure due to a laser beam incident’ and police said they were investigating the incident.
"The decision was taken by both pilots to return to Heathrow rather than continue the transatlantic crossing," Virgin posted on its website.
In an earlier statement the airline said: "The safety of our crew and customers is our top priority and we apologise for any inconvenience to those onboard. All customers will be offered overnight accommodation and we will get them on their journey as soon as possible.
"We are working with the authorities to identify the source of the laser that caused the return of the aircraft to Heathrow."
Last year a British Airways pilot’s eyesight was reportedly damaged when a ‘military-strength’ laser was shone into the cockpit as he landed at London Heathrow.
Following this latest incident, UK pilots union BALPA has called on the government to classify lasers as ‘offensive weapons.’
According to LaserPointerSafety.com there have been more than 40,000 incidents involving laser pointers on both sides of the Atlantic since 2004, but this is the first time a plane has turned round and not completed its journey due to a laser strike.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision