Flights hit by flurry of laser attacks over New Jersey
The federal Aviation Administration is probing claims lasers were aimed at 12 different planes close to Newark-Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said all the incidents took place late Wednesday from various locations, mostly within 20 miles of the airport.
Once the first few pilots reported the laser attacks, air traffic control changed landing approaches for incoming flights.
Pointing a laser into the cockpit of an airliner is a federal offense that can result in up to 20 years in prison.
There have been more than 2,000 laser events reported so far this year in the US.
A New York man is currently awaiting sentencing after a guilty plea of shining a laser at planes in and out of New York LaGuardia Airport.
No injuries were reported and all flights landed without incident, said FAA spokesman Jim Peters.
"Aircraft were hit by lasers on the right and left side of the cockpit. Nearly all of the pilots reported a green laser beam shot from the ground," he said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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