Flight risk after pilot dazzled by hand-held laser

THE safety of more than 100 passengers on board a Cork-based flight was put at risk after the pilot was dazzled by what is believed to have been a powerful hand-held laser.

The incident occurred as Aer Lingus flight EI 869 from Barcelona was on its final approach to Cork Airport just before 11pm on Monday.

The pilot was cleared to land and was descending over the northern outskirts of the city, about three and a half miles from touchdown, when he reported being dazzled by a green and white light flickering around the cockpit. It had all the characteristics of a handheld laser fired from the ground.