The number of laser pen attacks on planes flying to and from Leeds-Bradford Airport has fallen this year, new figures show.

But the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) is continuing to call for strict regulations on people carrying lasers and wants culprits to be jailed for their “foolish and dangerous” actions.

Figures revealed to the Telegraph & Argus by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show that so far this year, there have been 20 reports of high-powered lasers being shone at flights taking off and landing at the Yeadon Airport.

This compares with 81 last year, 80 in 2011, 84 in 2010 and 39 in 2009.

A new law was introduced in 2010 making it a criminal offence to shine a light at an aircraft. But the BALPA claims it continues to be a “growing problem” and want the police to have powers so they can seize lasers.

A spokesman said: “It is incredibly foolish and dangerous to shine a lasers at an aircraft. We believe it is time for the Government to look seriously at the criminalisation of the possession of high-powered lasers for those without a legitimate reason to have one.

“We believe the police need the power to confiscate these weapons, and the judiciary need to better realise the danger involved. Slaps on wrists and £150 fines are not enough – custodial sentences should be the norm.”

The CAA said it is seeing a “global surge” in incidents, and that the aviation industry and the police are doing “everything possible” to combat the problem.

A spokesman said: “Shining a laser at an aircraft is a very dangerous thing to do and could result in the pilot losing control during a critical phase of flight, thereby endangering passengers and individuals on the ground.

“We strongly urge anyone who sees a laser being shone near an airport to contact the police immediately. We need the public’s help to stop these dangerous attacks.”