Mounties say lasers, drones putting lives at risk at B.C. airport

U.S. Customs officials reported this green laser strike on their aircraft near Windsor, Ont., on June 3, 2020. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

Mounties in Kelowna, B.C., say pilots reported nearly two dozen laser strikes to local air traffic controllers last year, posing serious safety risks to the flying public.

The Kelowna International Airport control tower documented 21 cases in which high-powered lasers were directed at aircraft during critical takeoff and landing phases of their flights, according to police.

“Aiming a laser at an aircraft can have serious and potentially catastrophic consequences,” the Kelowna RCMP warned in a statement Wednesday describing how laser strikes can temporarily distract or blind flight crews.

The statement said lasers that are one milliwatt or greater in power often resemble pens or flashlights but are significantly more powerful than lasers used in classrooms or workplace presentations.

“Despite the serious safety risks they pose, high‑powered lasers remain readily available for purchase online, which can contribute to misunderstanding and underestimating their potential for harm,” the RCMP statement said.

Authorities also investigated five reported drone incursions at the Kelowna International Airport in 2025, police said.

Similar to laser pointers, aerial drones can pose serious risks to aircraft taking off and landing. Federal regulations restrict unauthorized drones from approaching airports and heliports.

Transport Canada rules say drone users without the proper certification and airspace authorization must stay at least 5.6 kilometres from airports.

The remotely piloted vehicles are also prohibited from operating within 9.3 kilometres of active wildfires to prevent interference with firefighting aircraft.

The RCMP says the use of drones or lasers near an airport can result in fines of up to $5,000, with the potential for criminal charges in “serious or deliberate” incidents.

“Drones can distract pilots and may cause catastrophic engine damage if ingested into an aircraft engine,” the statement said.

Cpl. Steven Lang says the misuse of drones and lasers where aircraft are operating puts lives at risk.

“We encourage anyone who observes suspicious laser use or drones being flown near an airport or in a dangerous manner to contact police immediately,” Lang said in the statement.