The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has proposed to criminal charges for those that flash laser beams at planes.
(Illustrative photo)
Existing law has fines of between USD454 to USD909 for such a crime. However, the Civil Aviation Authority said the offence should be added to the Criminal Law due to the serious threats posed to pilots and flight safety.
The Civil Aviation Authority proposed to raise the fines to USD1,300-USD4,450. Offenders could face up to three years of non-custodial reform or one to five years of imprisonment if causing damages to the pilots.
Laser beams can threaten flight safety as they blind the pilots, threatening loss of control over planes. The beams can also cause permanent eye damage. In case where pilots are attacked by a laser beam, the air traffic control towers have been asked to treat this case as an emergency until the crew report safety.
The National Civil Aviation Security Committee has just ordered tightened management around airports after a series of laser beams were flashed at planes during landing at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport. The National Civil Aviation Security Committee has asked airports nationwide to tighten management, raise public awareness and deal with violators.
On June 27, local police have identified a circus in Vinh Phuc Province as the unwitting producer of dangerous lasers affecting incoming flights. Employees at the circus said they were unaware of the impact on the planes.