FAA: NM sees slight decrease in incidents involving lasers pointed at planes
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Incidents involving lasers pointed at airplanes decreased in New Mexico in 2024 compared to data from the previous year, aligning with a trend seen at the national level, according to data released by the Federal Aviation Administration.
There were a total of 304 reports of laser strikes on planes in New Mexico last year, which is down 397 incidents in 2023. A majority of the incidents in 2024 took place in Albuquerque, which is home to the state's largest commercial airport, the Albuquerque International Sunport.
Laser incidents reported in New Mexico in recent years:
2024: 304
2023: 397
2022: 151
2021: 191
2020: 98
2019: 60
Laser incidents in the past have also involved aircraft from Kirtland Air Force Base, the Albuquerque Police Department, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. Incidents in 2024 also took place in Santa Fe, Roswell, and Clovis. In prior years, incidents were recorded in Las Cruces, Farmington, and other areas of the state.
First injury reported since 2021
For the first time since 2021 in New Mexico, there was an injury reported due to a laser strike in 2024. Data from the FAA did not include specific details about the injury, but it did show the incident happened in Albuquerque on May 31, 2024, and involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules typically used by the Air Force.
The FAA saw a decrease in laser incidents across the country in 2023. In total, 12,840 laser strikes were reported in 2024, an increase of % from 2023. Despite the downward trend, officials wrote in a news release that 'the numbers are still too high.'
Number of laser incidents in the United States by year:
2024: 12,840
2023: 13,304
2022: 9,457
2021: 9,723
2020: 6,852
2019: 6,136
California had the highest number of reported laser strikes in 2024, with 1,489. Ranked second was Texas with 1,463 incidents. New Mexico was on the list.
**Note: The map above does not include FAA data from Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and Saipan, CNMI.
Pointing a laser at an aircraft is a federal crime that can result in fines of up to $11,000 per violation and up to $30,800 for multiple laser incidents. Violators can also face criminal penalties from federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
Many high-powered lasers can completely incapacitate pilots who are trying to fly to their destinations and may be carrying hundreds of passengers, according to the FAA. A total of 328 pilots have reported an injury from a laser strike to the FAA since 2010.
The FAA encourages people to report laser incidents and has information on how to do so on its website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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