The chief pilot of Yorkshire Air Ambulance warns that lasers aimed at helicopters have on multiple occasions delayed patient care and risk causing permanent eye damage. CAA figures record eight incidents in Yorkshire this year and 94 across the UK in 2025. Two crew members required weeks off after temporary eye injuries, and pilots report more attacks from autumn through spring. The CAA and Yorkshire Air Ambulance urge the public to stop these dangerous and illegal attacks.
Laser Attacks On Air Ambulances Could Cause 'Catastrophe', Yorkshire Pilot Warns
Owen McTeggart says having lasers directed at helicopters in flight "can be really scary" [Sofía Luis-Hobbs/BBC]
The chief pilot of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has warned that shining lasers at helicopters can cause serious harm, delay life‑saving care and — in the worst cases — lead to a catastrophe. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) reports eight laser incidents affecting emergency helicopters in Yorkshire so far this year.
“If there's a laser in the location where we want to land, we just can't,”said Owen McTeggart, chief pilot at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, explaining that a laser beam on a landing site prevents a safe approach.
As Air Ambulance Week is observed, the CAA and Yorkshire Air Ambulance are urging the public to stop these attacks. The CAA says laser illuminations aimed at air ambulances happen every month across the UK; national data records 94 such incidents involving emergency helicopters in 2025.
Risks to Crew and Patients
Two members of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team have required weeks off work after suffering temporary eye damage from lasers. McTeggart warned that exposure nearer the ground could cause permanent eye injury, potentially ending a pilot's career or causing far worse consequences.
Crews have reported a clear increase in incidents from autumn through to spring, with many pilots experiencing multiple laser events each winter.
The chief pilot stressed that being targeted by lasers ultimately impacted patient care [Sofía Luis-Hobbs/BBC]
Operational And Financial Impact
Being targeted by a laser directly affects patient care. Crews may have to circle until the beam clears, find an alternative landing site further from the patient, or abandon a landing entirely — all of which delay medical treatment and raise costs for a charity-funded service.
“Somebody's in their moment of utmost need — delaying care from our doctor and paramedic lead team is horrendous,”McTeggart said.
“These attacks need to stop. Every month we see these vital flights potentially disrupted and their pilots subject to long-lasting eye damage,”said Glenn Bradley, CAA Head of Flight Operations.
Legal Consequences And Appeal
Deliberately aiming a laser at an aircraft is a criminal offence in the UK, carrying an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison.
Public plea: McTeggart concluded with a direct appeal to the public: consider that the person you risk harming could be your loved one — so please do not point lasers at aircraft.
Sources: UK Civil Aviation Authority; Yorkshire Air Ambulance statements. (Sofía Luis-Hobbs/BBC)
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