Aircraft landing lights seen in Villetomble

Summary

A witness in Villetomble (France) regularly observed yellow lights in the southeast, which appeared, moved slightly, and disappeared. These lights aligned with the flight path of aircraft landing at Orly Airport, particularly when the wind came from the west or northwest. The witness only saw the landing lights, which are highly directional and visible only when the aircraft is facing directly. Due to the distance (20 km), other lights such as red and green position lights or flashing beacons could not be distinguished. The phenomenon was observed repeatedly in January and early February, but not on the 12th and 13th, when the wind came from the northeast or south, causing aircraft to approach from a different direction.

The witness confirmed they could identify aircraft in real time by consulting an air traffic map. The GEIPAN classified the case as "B," meaning a likely observation of commercial aircraft during landing. Despite the unusual appearance, the phenomenon is explained by perspective and aircraft direction, making the lights seem mysterious at first glance.