Over 12,800 incidents reported in 2024 as authorities urge stronger public awareness and legal enforcement to protect flight crews and passengers.
NewsAvia Middle East Edition
The number of laser strikes against aircraft remains dangerously high, with 12,840 incidents reported to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2024. While this marks a slight 3% decrease from the previous year, aviation authorities are warning that the threat to pilot and passenger safety remains severe.
Shining a laser at an aircraft is not only extremely hazardous, it is also a federal crime in the United States. Since the FAA began tracking laser strike data in 2010, pilots have reported 328 related injuries, ranging from temporary blindness to long-term visual impairment. Many of these incidents occurred during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff or landing.
“These actions endanger hundreds of lives with the push of a button,” the FAA emphasized in a recent statement. “We take these violations seriously, and perpetrators will face heavy fines and potential imprisonment.”
Hotspots and Enforcement
In 2024, the highest number of laser strikes occurred in the following U.S. states:
- California – 1,489
- Texas – 1,463
- Florida – 810
- Tennessee – 649
- Illinois – 622
Other states with high incidence rates included Arizona, New York, Indiana, Georgia, and Virginia.
Offenders may face fines of up to $11,000 per violation, and up to $30,800 for multiple incidents. In serious cases, federal charges can lead to five years in prison and fines up to $250,000, along with additional state or local penalties.
A Global Concern for GCC and International Operators
While the report focuses on U.S. data, laser strikes are a growing international issue, including in the Middle East and GCC countries, where expanding air traffic and urban lighting have increased risks near airports.
Airlines in the region have also raised concerns over laser incidents during approach phases, particularly in low-altitude airspace around densely populated cities. Several GCC civil aviation authorities have launched public awareness campaigns and issued strict regulations against laser use near airfields.
Given the region’s ambition to become a global aviation leader, maintaining the highest levels of flight safety—including protecting cockpit crews from visual interference—remains paramount.
FAA Tools and Data Transparency
The FAA continues to enhance its laser strike visualization tool, providing real-time data and trend analysis by region, time of day, and incident density. The tool aims to raise public awareness and support local enforcement efforts.
For pilots, airlines, and safety agencies in the Middle East, such tools offer valuable insight into monitoring trends, developing countermeasures, and designing safer airspace procedures around major hubs like Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
Source. FAA
Photo: AI Generated
To explore the full 2024 laser strike report and visual data map, visit the FAA’s official page:
FAA Laser Incident Report 2024
