In Sydney on Friday night, four laser lights originating from the city’s southwestern suburbs forced six planes to alter their flight paths, in what Air Services Australia described as the most serious laser attack in Australia to date.

“The fact Friday night’s incident involved more than one laser and a degree of organisation is a very unwelcome development,” he said. “Previously laser attacks have been single incidents. We need to look at how we can better co-ordinate and deal with the threat.”

PILOTS have demanded that authorities hold an urgent summit on aviation safety following a co-ordinated laser light attack on planes landing at Australia’s busiest airport.

The introduction of jail penalties by the Howard government last year has failed to deter suburban vandals from using powerful hand-held lasers to shine light into aircraft cockpits, potentially temporarily blinding the pilots as they fly overhead.

In Sydney on Friday night, four laser lights originating from the city’s southwestern suburbs forced six planes to alter their flight paths, in what Air Services Australia described as the most serious laser attack in Australia to date.

Air Services said it was the first recorded “cluster” laser light attack by up to four people.

Following the attack, which lasted 15 minutes, the NSW Government announced moves to ban the lights, catching up with other states. The federal Government is also looking at prohibiting the importation of the lasers, which can be purchased on the internet.

Authorities estimate there are up to 100,000 of the laser lights in the country, with almost daily attacks being reported at airports around the nation.

Spokesman for the Australian and International Pilots Association Peter Somerville called on the federal Government to convene a meeting of airlines, air traffic controllers, pilots and state and federal police to try to prevent any loss of life.

“The fact Friday night’s incident involved more than one laser and a degree of organisation is a very unwelcome development,” he said. “Previously laser attacks have been single incidents. We need to look at how we can better co-ordinate and deal with the threat.”