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WhatsAppFive pilots were blinded by Brussels Airport laser attacks while on final approach on Friday night, August 14, 2026, Belgian air traffic controller Skeyes has confirmed. The incidents occurred over the municipality of Dilbeek in Flemish Brabant between 20:45 and 02:45, with lasers directed into the cockpits of landing aircraft.
What happened at Brussels Airport?
According to Skeyes, pilots reported laser beams aimed at their faces during short final approach. The Belgian air traffic control authority recorded five separate incidents in a single evening, a figure local newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws described as highly unusual. Commissioner Koen Luppens of the local police said a patrol was dispatched immediately after airport police alerted them on Saturday, but officers could not locate the perpetrator or perpetrators. "Without an exact location, it is difficult to trace the laser," Luppens told Belgian media.
Why laser attacks on aircraft are dangerous
Laser strikes can temporarily blind pilots, cause flash blindness, and disorient flight crews during the most critical phase of flight. In 2025, Skeyes recorded 169 laser-pointer attacks on pilots in Belgium, an 80% increase over the previous year, reversing a decade of decline. By comparison, the US FAA laser strike reporting system logged 10,994 strikes in 2025, down 14% from 2024, but officials warn the numbers remain too high. "Even one strike is too many," said FAA Associate Administrator Ben Supko.
Laser strike statistics: Belgium vs United States (2025)
| Country | Reported laser strikes | Year-over-year change | Legal penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgium | 169 | +80% | Imprisonment possible |
| United States | 10,994 | -14% | Up to $250,000 fine and 5 years prison |
Penalties for pointing lasers at aircraft
- In Belgium, shining a laser at an aircraft is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.
- In the United States, offenders face FAA fines up to $11,000 per violation and federal penalties of up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
- Since 2010, US pilots have reported 337 laser-related injuries.
New Brussels Airport flight route controversy
The laser incidents come amid heated debate over a new approach route, RNP 07L, which has increased noise pollution for residents of Dilbeek, Lennik and Roosdaal. Around 42 families have launched legal proceedings against the Belgian state over noise nuisance. The new Brussels Airport approach route has sparked protests in the area. However, police say there is no direct evidence linking the laser attacks to the flight route dispute.
What authorities are doing next
Local police are appealing to residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity. Witnesses are urged to come forward with information about the source of the lasers. Aviation safety experts stress that even a momentary distraction during landing can have serious consequences, and authorities continue to investigate whether the incidents were deliberate acts targeting aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pilots were blinded by lasers at Brussels Airport?
Five pilots were blinded by laser beams while approaching Brussels Airport on Friday night, August 14, 2026, according to Skeyes.
Is shining a laser at an aircraft a crime in Belgium?
Yes, pointing a laser at an aircraft is a criminal offence in Belgium and can lead to imprisonment.
What should you do if you see a laser pointed at an aircraft?
Report it immediately to local police and note the location, time and direction of the beam. Do not attempt to confront the person.
Are the laser incidents linked to the new Brussels Airport flight route?
Police say there is currently no direct evidence connecting the laser attacks to the controversy over the new RNP 07L approach route.
How many laser incidents were recorded in Belgium in 2025?
Skeyes recorded 169 laser-pointer attacks on pilots in 2025, an 80% increase compared with the previous year.
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