China News Service, March 17th. According to Singapore’s “Lianhe Zaobao” report, on the evening of the 15th local time, after a British Virgin Atlantic plane took off from London, the cockpit was illuminated by a laser beam from the ground. The flight followed Forced to turn back.
Data map: Virgin Atlantic airliner.
Image source: CFP Vision China
According to reports, the aircraft involved was a Boeing 787, which was originally scheduled to fly from London to Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel.
Regarding the laser exposure, Virgin Atlantic Airways issued a statement saying that the passenger plane turned back over Paris and returned to London Heathrow Airport at 10:45 pm local time on the 15th.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said that the suspension of flights is a preventive measure.
The spokesperson also said that the company has notified the police of the matter and will maintain close contact with the police and the Civil Aviation Administration.
According to reports, affected by the incident, the passengers of the flight had no choice but to stay and were sent to the hotel to stay that night, and continued their itinerary the next day.