Helicopter 'laser attacks' could result in 'catastrophic accident', pilots warn

There were 35 cases of emergency helicopters being attacked by a laser in the first six months of 2026, new data from the UK's air regulator shows.

Pilots have warned that the laser attacks, which are a criminal offence carrying an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison, could result in a "catastrophic accident".

Shining a high-intensity laser directly at a helicopter can cause temporary blindness to pilots and even long-term eye damage, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) warned.

As most air ambulances operate with only one pilot, this is a significant safety risk, the organisation said as it issued a joint call with the Air Ambulances UK charity for an end to the attacks.

The highest number of attacks were recorded in Southampton, followed by Leeds and Glasgow.

"Everyone must recognise that this is totally unacceptable, these attacks need to stop," said Glenn Bradley, head of flight operations at the UK CAA.

Matt Wilcock, chief pilot at Wilshire and Bath Air Ambulance, described how frequent the attacks have become, describing how "most winters I suffer at least one or two laser attacks".

"At night they are exceptionally startling and distracting and can damage my eyes, potentially resulting in a catastrophic accident," he added.

"If you see or hear a helicopter, there's a good chance it's an air ambulance delivering critical care. So, targeting one of these with a laser could result in you or your family not getting the emergency help we provide."

Richard Miller, safety and operations manager at the same air ambulance branch, warned that helicopters are fitted with sophisticated cameras and tracking equipment that can show where lasers are being shone from and alert police.

"Anyone targeting a helicopter with a laser must realise that they may well be caught and go to prison," he warned.

Read more from Sky News:
Green Party plan to curb tech giants
RNLI uniform warning after 'abuse'

In 2025, there were 94 cases of emergency helicopters being attacked, while for the first half of this year the figure hit 35.

The UK CAA highlighted how laser attacks not only endanger the pilot and the safety of the helicopter but can also delay emergency critical care for patients who depend on these services throughout the UK.

Emergency air ambulances fly over 135 flights a day in the UK, with the joint warning coming during UK Air Ambulance Week.

(c) Sky News 2026: Helicopter 'laser attacks' could result in 'catastrophic accident', pilots warn