Across the nation, laser strikes on aircraft are a serious problem that poses a significant danger to pilots and can even cause injuries.
Shining a laser at an aircraft not only poses serious safety risks, but it is also a federal crime. People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. Violators can also face federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as state and local penalties.
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A new report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows behind California, Texas had the second most reported laser strikes on aircraft in 2024.
Texas reported 1,463 laser strikes on aircraft, behind California’s 1,489, but significantly above the third highest state of Florida which had 810 strikes.
Top 10 states for laser strikes in 2024:
- California - 1,489
- Texas - 1,463
- Florida - 810
- Tennessee - 649
- Illinois - 622
- Arizona - 550
- New York - 531
- Indiana - 512
- Georgia - 416
- Virginia - 415
In total, pilots reported 12,840 laser strikes last year. The FAA says this is a 3 percent decrease from 2023, but the numbers are still too high.
Since the FAA started tracking laser strike reports in 2010, pilots have reported 328 injuries due to laser strikes.
In August of 2024, KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding reported on the alarming rise of lasers striking aircraft in the Houston area. In the report, more than 470 pilots reported being blinded by lasers over Houston in 2023.
According to the FAA’s laser strike tracker, there have been 168 reported incidents in Texas so far in 2025.
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