Record number of aircraft laser strikes reported in 2023; These airports had the most incidents
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A record number of laser strike incidents were reported by pilots last year, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
A total of 13,304 reports were received across the country in 2023, a 41% increase from the previous year.
In Texas alone, 1,410 incidents were reported last year, up 39% from 2022, and a 237% increase from a decade ago. Only California had more incidents reported in 2023.
The FAA said shining a laser at an airplane poses a "serious safety threat," as it can incapacitate pilots who are responsible for hundreds of passengers. Pilots have reported 313 injuries from laser strikes since 2010, according to FAA data.
"The FAA is committed to maintaining the safest air transportation system in the world," FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker said. "Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a serious safety hazard that puts everyone on the plane and on the ground at risk."
The public is encouraged to report laser incidents on the FAA's website.
People who shine lasers at planes face fines from the FAA up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple violations. Suspects can also face criminal penalties from local, state and federal law enforcement.
The Houston and Dallas areas had the most incidents reported last year. The Houston Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) had 234 incidents, while the Fort Worth Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) had 193 incidents.
San Antonio International Airport was the only individual airport to receive more than 100 reports with 133 in total. Corpus Christi International Airport had 89 incidents, while Austin-Bergstrom International Airport had 79.
Here's a look at which airports, TRACON and ARTCC had the most incidents reported in 2023:
- Northern California TRACON: 566
- Memphis ARTCC: 324
- Atlanta ARTCC: 311
- Indianapolis International Airport: 305
- Albuquerque ARTCC: 290
- Phoenix TRACON: 279
- Indianapolis ARTCC: 257
- Seattle ARTCC: 241
- Houston TRACON: 234
- Chicago TRACON: 214
- Southern California TRACON: 214
- Potomac Consolidated TRACON: 214