Regulations & Safety
FAA Reports 14% Decline in Laser Strikes on US Aircraft in 2025
The FAA recorded a 14% decrease in laser strikes against US aircraft in 2025, with 10,994 incidents reported, led by California, Texas, and Florida.
This article is based on an official press release from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
For the second consecutive year, the number of reported laser strikes against aircraft in the United States has decreased, signaling potential progress in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ongoing battle against aviation safety threats. According to data released by the agency on February 25, 2026, pilots reported 10,994 laser strike incidents in 2025.
This figure represents a 14% decrease from the 12,840 incidents recorded in 2024. While the downward trend is encouraging, following a record high of 13,304 incidents in 2023, aviation safety officials emphasize that the volume of strikes remains dangerously high. The FAA and industry stakeholders continue to warn that pointing a laser at an aircraft poses a severe threat to pilots, passengers, and people on the ground.
The latest data provides a snapshot of the current safety landscape regarding laser interference. The 10,994 incidents reported in 2025 mark a significant reduction compared to the surge seen earlier in the decade. However, the numbers are still nearly triple the volume reported in 2010, when the FAA first began detailed tracking of these events.
According to the FAA’s report, the historical trend for the last five years is as follows:
Geographically, the distribution of laser strikes remains concentrated in states with high air traffic volume and dense populations. California continues to lead the nation in reported incidents. The FAA identified the top three states for laser strikes in 2025 as:
Other states with significant activity included Illinois (620), Arizona (574), and Washington (484). These regional “hot spots” remain a primary focus for federal and local law enforcement efforts.
The FAA attributes the recent decline in incidents to a combination of aggressive enforcement and successful public outreach. A key component of this strategy is the agency’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP). Through this initiative, agents identify high-risk areas and collaborate directly with local police and community leaders to mitigate threats.
In states such as Texas and Georgia, the integration of technology has proven effective. Police helicopters equipped with advanced tracking systems have been able to locate perpetrators in real-time, leading to immediate arrests. Furthermore, the agency credits the aviation community for its role in identifying these hazards.
“Laser strikes are decreasing, thanks to a strong pilot reporting culture that is providing the data we need for community engagement and work with local law enforcement.”
— Ben Supko, FAA Associate Administrator for Security and Intelligence
Despite the statistical improvement, the physical danger to flight crews remains acute. High-powered lasers can cause flash blindness, glare, and temporary vision loss. These effects are particularly critical during takeoff and landing phases when pilots are maneuvering at low altitudes and require maximum visual acuity.
The FAA notes that approximately 90% of all laser strikes occur at night, amplifying the visual disruption in a dark cockpit. Additionally, the majority of incidents involve green lasers, which appear much brighter to the human eye than red lasers. Since 2010, pilots have reported 337 eye injuries resulting from these strikes.
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. The FAA enforces strict civil penalties for violations, with fines of up to $11,000 per incident. Repeat offenders face cumulative penalties of up to $30,800. Beyond civil fines, violators face criminal prosecution, which can result in up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000.
While a 14% drop is statistically significant, the baseline remains worryingly high. The shift from over 13,000 incidents in 2023 to just under 11,000 in 2025 suggests that public awareness campaigns and high-profile prosecutions are beginning to have a deterrent effect. However, with nearly 30 incidents still occurring on average every single day in the United States, the threat to aviation safety is far from neutralized. The persistence of California, Texas, and Florida as top offenders suggests that targeted, state-specific interventions may be required to drive numbers down further.
FAA Reports 14% Decline in Laser Strikes for 2025, Though Risks Remain High
2025 Statistics: A Downward Trend
State-by-State Breakdown
Enforcement and Outreach Strategies
The Persistent Danger and Legal Consequences
Federal Penalties
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: FAA