Gibraltar Chronicle Logo
Local News

New reports of laser vandals targeting planes

Air Traffic Control reported two recent incidents in which laser beams were pointed at air crafts attempting to land and depart from Gibraltar Airport.

The reports, which were prompted by a Chronicle article on the subject earlier this week, led to fresh warnings about the potential danger lasers pose to aviation safety locally.

Laser ‘attacks’ were on the increase last year with six incidents reported to the Royal Gibraltar Police.

In previous years only one or two of these incidents had been reported. The increase prompted a press release and information leaflet which was circulated by the Gibraltar Government last November.

But the problem has persisted.

The recent incidents took place over the festive season, with one laser attack on December 30 and another - the first attack of 2016 - on January 3.

Police are investigating the incidents and the offenders face prosecution if caught.

"My words would be ‘don’t do it please’," Chris Purkiss, Gibraltar’s Director of Civil Aviation, told the Chronicle yesterday.

"While it may appear fun, you are putting people’s lives at risk,”

FULL STORY IN TODAY'S PRINT AND E-EDITIONS

Most Read

Local News

DPC clears two major developments

Download The App On The iOS Store