Tenerife flight put in danger by laser pen pointed at cockpit during take off
Air Traffic Controllers have reported that a flight from Tenerife South Airport was put in danger on Monday after the pilot reported being targeted by a laser pointer during the aircraft’s ascent.
According to the report, the pilots alerted air traffic control immediately, providing the precise location from which the laser appeared to have been aimed. This information was passed to the Guardia Civil, who have opened an investigation.
A flight-path image from Flightradar24 was shared alongside the report, showing the aircraft’s route moments after it took off to head to Lanzarote
Air Traffic Controllers reiterated that directing a laser pen at an aircraft can cause serious eye damage and potentially incapacitate the cockpit crew, creating a significant risk to the safety of the flight. They also stressed that this type of act is legally defined as a serious criminal offence in Spain.
Such incidents are particularly dangerous during take-off and landing, when pilots rely heavily on clear visual conditions and any distraction or impairment can lead to severe consequences.
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