Pilots reported 10,994 laser strikes in 2025, a 14 percent decrease from the year before, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety threat to pilots and is a federal crime.

Pilots have reported 337 injuries since the FAA began tracking laser strike reports in 2010.

The FAA conducts outreach and training with local, state, and federal law enforcement throughout the year to combat laser strikes in areas with the highest numbers.

“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,” said Ben Supko, associate administrator, Security and Intelligence Organization. “But even one laser strike is too many when pilots have hundreds of lives in their hands.”

In 2025, pilots reported the highest numbers of laser strikes in these states:

1. California – 1,309
2. Texas – 1,100
3. Florida – 654
4. Illinois – 620
5. Arizona – 574
6. Washington – 484
7. Tennessee – 431
8. Indiana – 370
9. New York – 369
10. Virginia – 353

Shining lasers at aircraft can lead to FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation and federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as state and local penalties.

The FAA strongly encourages people to report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies. Detailed reporting can help identify location and time trends.