Civil Aviation Authority warns laser attacks on air ambulances are putting lives at risk

The UK CAA and Air Ambulances UK are warning that laser attacks are putting pilots, patients and lifesaving missions at risk, with incidents occurring every month across the country.

In 2025, 94 laser incidents involving emergency helicopters were reported across the UK, with a further 35 recorded in the first half of 2026.

With most air ambulances operating with just one pilot, a high-intensity laser can cause temporary blindness, severe distraction and potentially lasting eye damage. An attack at a critical moment could endanger the crew, patients and people on the ground – as well as delaying urgent treatment for someone seriously ill or injured.

Jonathan Nicholson from the Civil Aviation Authority is available for interviews on Thursday to explain the dangers laser attacks pose and how these incidents can jeopardise lifesaving missions.

Figures showing where laser attacks have occurred are also available - and there are regional air ambualances that can be available too.