Number of Laser Strikes on Aircraft Incidents Remain Dangerously High
- Shashwat Dwivedi
- Apr 4
- 2 min read
Laser strikes on aircraft continue to pose a serious threat to aviation safety. Intentionally aiming lasers at aircraft endangers pilots and violates the laws of the airspace in which the aircraft is flying. Many high-powered lasers can incapacitate pilots flying aircraft that may be carrying hundreds of passengers.
In 2024 alone, around 12,840 such incidents were reported to the FAA in United States. The state of California contributed the most to the number, with 1,489 incidents in the year.
While the number of incidents decreased 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.
Since the FAA began tracking laser strike reports in 2010, pilots have reported a total of 328 injuries. Thankfully, there have been no injuries due to laser strikes in 2025.
Intentionally pointing a laser at a flying aircraft is considered a federal crime in the USA, with fines up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple incidents. Offenders can also face excessive criminal penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The number of such incidents has grown exponentially in the past 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.
Several factors can be attributed to the increased number of incidents, such as the easy availability of cheap, high-powered laser devices that can easily target aircraft at higher altitudes. The FAA is clear that moderate punishment or fines are necessary for this crime, and warnings or counselling are not sufficient solutions.
