3 Different Planes Report Being Targeted By Lasers at Major U.S. Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating reports from three flight crews saying their planes were targeted by lasers as they flew near Boston's Logan International Airport on Monday.

Crew members from United Airlines Flight 2356, Southwest Airlines Flight 559 and Republic Airways Flight 4580 all said they encountered green lasers while in the air by Logan on Monday evening, according to a statement from the FAA. No injuries were suffered and flights were not affected, but the organization is looking into the matter.

After the sightings, an air traffic controller warned pilots over radio of lasers in the area, according to CNN.

“Attention all aircraft, unauthorized laser illumination event is in progress. It’s been reported about 2 miles north of Boston, at 600 feet on departure,” the controller said, via recorded audio from liveatc.net.

This isn't the first time planes at Logan have been targeted by lasers. Back in 2023, several were struck while trying to land at the busy flight hub.

Recent Laser-related incidents, per the FAA

• 12,840 in 2024
• 13,304 in 2023
• 5,913 so far in 2025

A serious matter

While some may think pointing a laser at a plane is a harmless prank, it can have major consequences and is viewed as a consequential threat.

“Shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety threat and is a federal crime,” the FAA said. "Lasers can incapacitate pilots, many of whom are flying airplanes with hundreds of passengers."

Being caught shining a laser at an airplane is punishable by a fine up to $32,646 per violation from the FAA. The agency says it handed out $120,000 in laser pointing signs in 2021.

Additionally, violators may face federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine