An aviation security expert has called for stiffer penalties to combat incidents where lasers are pointed at aircraft.
Laser pen attacks on planes at Dublin Airport last week sparked a series of security responses.
According to the Irish Independent, at least five flights are said to have been targeted last Friday night as they attempted to land, although none of them were forced to detour.
Former air corps officer Kevin Byrne stated on RTÉ's Today with Claire Byrne that such behaviour was extremely risky and a "major compromise of safety."
According to him, pilots don't need this diversion, and if they become dazzled by the laser light, landing may need to be delayed as they fly around again.
He claimed that although the offenders may have thought it was "a bit of fun," it was actually "a very serious problem. It's a bad idea to do that. People are unaware of the gravity of the situation.
Mr. Byrne advocated for adopting a strategy akin to that used by police in Los Angeles, where engaging in such conduct is punishable by a five-year jail sentence if found guilty.
He advised bringing in the Garda air support team to assist ground forces. He explained that if the aircraft could pinpoint the area from which the laser is being fired, it could then inform the ground unit, which would then be able to apprehend the offenders.
This might put a stop to it. This needs to end.
