Laser Incident at Palma Airport: Aircraft Endangered During Landing

Sunday, November 2nd, 2025

On the 1st of November 2025, a dangerous incident occurred at Palma de Mallorca Airport when a flight crew reported that their aircraft was targeted by a laser during its final approach.

The Incident in Palma

The pilots stated that the laser struck the aircraft’s windscreen directly. This is particularly hazardous, as a laser can significantly impair vision and create a critical situation during landing. Air traffic control was immediately notified, the police were alerted, and other incoming flights were warned. Only recently, drone sightings at Palma Airport had also caused operational concerns.

Similar Incident in Ibiza

A comparable event took place on the 25th of April 2025 at Ibiza Airport. In that case, pilots reported that a laser briefly affected their visibility during the approach. Air traffic controllers responded promptly, informing the authorities and issuing warnings to other aircraft in the vicinity.

How Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers Respond

According to official guidelines, pilots and controllers are trained to handle such situations:

• Pilots avoid looking directly at the laser, increase cockpit lighting to reduce glare, and, if necessary, adjust the aircraft’s course to block the beam.
• Air traffic controllers protect their own visibility in the tower, switch on lights if needed, and notify police and other crews to ensure the safety of all aircraft movements.

These procedures help minimise the risk of accidents and allow controllers and crews to maintain operational control while authorities investigate the incident.

What Passengers Should Know

Aiming a laser at an aircraft cockpit is a criminal offence in Spain. Those caught can face substantial fines of up to €600,000 and, in serious cases, imprisonment.

For passengers, it is important to know that such incidents are taken extremely seriously. Authorities respond immediately, and airlines, air traffic controllers, and law enforcement work closely together to minimise risks and ensure the safety of all flights during take-off and landing.

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