Man detained for shining laser pointer at pilots in Fuerteventura

A young man, believed to be in his early 20s, has been reported to the authorities after allegedly shining a laser at aircraft taking off from Fuerteventura Airport, dazzling several pilots as they climbed over Puerto del Rosario.

The pilot of an emergency helicopter based on the island was also affected, according to reports from the Local Police.

The incidents happened at around 7.00pm on Wednesday (4th November), when the airport control tower alerted officers that several pilots had been dazzled by beams of light believed to have come from a laser pointer.

Using coordinates provided by the control tower, police searched the Los Pozos area and the nearby beach. They located the suspected source of the laser on the breakwater at Los Pozos.

Police said the young man admitted what had happened after officers identified him. They seized a laser pointer, which was taken to the police station.

Fine of up to €220,000

Officers reported the man for an alleged very serious offence under Spain’s public security law. The provision covers directing beams of light at pilots or drivers when they could dazzle or distract them, or cause an accident.

According to police, the offence can carry a fine of between €30,001 and €220,000. No fine has yet been confirmed in this case.

The incident was also reported to the Guardia Civil and Spain’s aviation safety agency, AESA.

Police warned that misusing a laser pointer can cause glare and temporary loss of vision for pilots, creating a serious risk to aviation safety, particularly during critical stages of a flight such as take-off and landing.