Photo: Shutterstock Last month, we spoke about the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) 2025 report on laser strikes, and the numbers were disturbing. The report, encompassing pilots' encounters, mentioned close to 11,000 laser strikes on aircraft throughout last year. While high, the number actually signaled a decrease for a second year in a row.
To further emphasize the seriousness of the phenomenon, the FAA also gave the example of a 47-year-old man who was arrested after directing a laser at a police helicopter.
Now, the FAA has issued a new statement regarding the state of these strikes, saying that while their number continues to be on a downward trend for the third year in a row in 2026, there are still thousands of incidents reported by pilots.
On Thursday, September 17, the FAA said that pilots had reported a total of 4,470 laser strikes in the National Airspace System so far this year, marking a 24% drop compared with the same period last year.
The figure is still significant despite the ongoing decline. In 2023, laser strikes reached a record 13,304, which prompted increased efforts by the FAA and law enforcement agencies to address the problem.
The FAA works with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies through outreach and training programs aimed at reducing laser incidents and helping authorities respond to reports.
California has recorded the highest number of reported strikes so far this year. Between January and July, pilots reported 614 incidents in the state, followed by Texas with 445 and Florida with 232.
Illinois recorded 224 reports, while Tennessee had 202. Other states among the 10 with the highest totals were Washington with 199, Arizona with 178, Colorado with 166, Virginia with 136 and Georgia with 133.
The FAA is also warning the public about laser-light displays as the holiday season approaches. Lasers used in outdoor displays can travel much farther than people on the ground may expect, creating a potential hazard if beams are directed into the sky.
A laser pointed at an aircraft can distract a pilot or temporarily affect their vision, particularly during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing.
The consequences can extend beyond a momentary disruption. According to the FAA, pilots have reported 322 injuries linked to laser strikes since the agency began tracking incidents in 2010.
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime. The FAA can impose fines of up to $11,000 per violation, while federal criminal penalties can include up to five years in prison and fines of as much as $250,000. Additional state and local penalties may also apply.
The agency is encouraging anyone who witnesses a laser strike to report it to both the FAA and local law enforcement. Reports can help authorities identify patterns in the location and timing of incidents.