A new report from the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has shown that pilots suffered a total of 1,258 laser attacks last year in airports across the country.

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Among the 14 airports that were most commonly targeted by laser attacks last year, Heathrow remains on the top of the list with 151 incidents, reported Guardian.

In 2015, Heathrow airport saw 121 reported incidents of laser attacks.

Under the new CAA figures, Glasgow reported 83 incidents of laser attack followed by Birmingham with 73 such events.

The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) said that though the new CAA figure is slightly down from 2015, at more than three incidents a day on average, it still remains a real threat to aviation safety.

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"We are concerned that at more than three reports a day this figure is still dangerously high."

BALPA flight safety specialist Steve Landells said: “While on the face of it the fall in laser incidents is positive, and may be as a result of our ongoing campaign, we are concerned that at more than three reports a day this figure is still dangerously high.

“We’re also concerned that under-reporting of incidents could mean that we don’t have a true idea of the scale of the problem.

“Shining a laser at aircraft is incredibly dangerous and a real threat to flight safety. The power of these devices is increasing and we’re concerned that, if left to escalate without significant intervention, we could see a serious incident happen in the near future.”

The association also noted that the new Vehicle Technology and Aviation bill would help in punishing the perpetrators involved in such incidents.

Image: Laser pointers. Photo: courtesy of Pang Ka kit.