A dangerous new game could spell disaster for Russia's air passengers after people on the ground have taken to shining high-intensity laser beams into the cockpits of passing aircraft.

Russian police have arrested a 24-year-old when they discovered lasers capable of directing beams 40km into the sky in his apartment.

More than 30 cases nationwide in the last few months have prompted officials to consider longer prison sentences for laser criminals as the government discusses controlling the sale of torches.

Al Jazeera's Neave Barker reports from Moscow.