2 days Ago By Tatenda Karuwa
Laser strikes on aircraft in the US remain high, with 12,840 incidents being reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2024. California had the highest number of incidents, with 1,489 reported last year. More work to be done Many pilots in the US continue to report laser strikes, which pose a significant threat to the aircraft, passengers, and crew.
While the number of incidents reduced by 3% from 13,304 in 2023, the FAA says the numbers are still too high. Up to 1,799 incidents have occurred in 2025 (as of March 10), with a daily average of 30.5 occurrences.
According to the FAA, 9.7% of laser incidents occur before midday, while 90.3% occur after midday.
Lasers can incapacitate pilots, compromising the safety of the flight. Since the FAA began tracking laser strike reports in 2010, pilots have reported up to 328 injuries. However, no injuries have been reported in 2025.
Last year, California had the highest number of incidents (1,489), followed by Texas with 1,463, Florida with 810, Tennessee with 649, and Illinois with 622. Arizona, New York, Indiana, Georgia, and Virginia also saw over 400 incidents each. The agency continues to highlight that shining a laser on an aircraft is a federal crime.
Violators face fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. People who shine lasers at aircraft can also face excessive criminal penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. They can also be given state and local penalties.
People are strongly advised to report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies. Laser incidents are in the news once again, following an occurrence involving a Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Austin to Boston. As reported by Simple Flying earlier this week, the plane was struck by a laser while on its final approach to Logan International Airport (BOS), but, thankfully, was able to land safely.
Such lasers can severely impact pilots' vision, and, subsequently, their use in such a malicious manner comes with strong penalties. Indeed, a 59-year-old man found guilty in May of a similar act involving a US Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk reportedly faced up to five years in jail, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Over in the UK (where an average of almost 1,500 laser attacks occur every year), offenders also face jail terms of up to five years, with no cap on the financial penalties imposed.
Despite these strong punishments, incidents with aircraft involving lasers still remain relatively common, perhaps even more so as we enter the northern hem Increase over the last two decades Data shows that reported incidents have significantly increased over the last two decades. Only 384 incidents were reported in 2006, increasing to 3,591 in 2010. By the end of 2016, the number had increased to 7,398 before falling below 7,000 from 2017 to 2020.
However, 9,457 incidents were reported in 2022, sharply increasing to 13,304 in 2023 - the highest number recorded over the last 19 years. The FAA attributes the increase in reports to multiple factors, including the availability of inexpensive laser devices and the higher number of lasers sold in stores and given as gifts. Some lasers also have more substantial power levels, allowing them to hit aircraft flying at higher altitudes, while green lasers are more visible to the human eye than red lasers.
Greater awareness by pilots to report laser incidents has also contributed to the increase. The FAA’s guidance for agency investigators and attorneys strongly suggests that laser violations should not be addressed through warning notices or counseling. It seeks moderately high civil penalties for inadvertent violations and maximum penalties for deliberate actions.
Violators who are pilots or mechanics face civil penalties and may have their FAA certificate revoked. Laser strike incidents by altitude FAA data also shows that aircraft flying at lower altitudes are the most affected. This year, 1,225 laser incidents have occurred with aircraft flying up to 10,000 feet , 367 up to 25,000 feet , and 92 up to 41,000 feet .
In 2024, 8,386 incidents were reported up to 10,000 feet , while 2,303 were reported up to 25,000 feet . About 774 occurred up to 41,000 feet . Last year, a Delta Air Lines flight was reportedly hit by a laser while coming in to land at Boston Logan International Airport.
The incident was investigated by the FAA. In December, a man was arrested for shining a green laser towards a flying aircraft near Miami International Airport . Get all the latest aviation news for North America here In addition to the federal law, some US states and cities also have laws against pointing lasers at aircraft.
Violators have faced various punishments, including jail time, community service, probation, and additional penalties for court costs and restitution..
