Aviation Authority warns of dangers of distracting pilots as 31 reports of lasers aimed at aircraft

There have been 31 reports of laser beams deliberately pointed at aircraft in Irish airspace so far this year.

Pilots have reported flash blindness, glare, and even being distracted at critical stages of flight due to the interference.

The IAA said the safety of an aircraft could be affected by having a laser pointed at it, especially if it was at a critical phase, such as landing or take-off. Thankfully, most reported laser incidents in Ireland were found to have a low safety impact.