The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said that this week, three separate crews reported green laser strikes during takeoffs and landings at Logan. The incidents involved United Airlines Flight 2356 from San Francisco, Southwest Airlines Flight 559 en route to Nashville, and Republic Airways Flight 4580 bound for New York. All reported that a green laser was directed at them while operating in the vicinity of the airport.
A Republic Airways pilot, flying under the American Airlines brand, told air traffic control: "We were just hit by a green laser on the right side. It's still ongoing, even after we made a turn." The controller then warned other aircraft that "an unauthorized laser illumination is occurring about two miles north of Boston at an altitude of around 600 feet."
Despite the disruption, the FAA confirmed that no injuries were reported. The agency has launched an investigation together with local authorities. The FAA stressed that pointing lasers at aircraft is a federal offense that can endanger lives, cause temporary blindness or serious eye damage to pilots, and potentially lead to disaster. Offenders face fines of up to $32,000 per incident, as well as criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a federal fine of $250,000.
According to FAA data, there were 13,304 reported laser strikes against aircraft in 2023. The number dropped slightly in 2024 to 12,840. Since the beginning of 2025, 5,913 incidents have already been recorded.
Officials said the motivations range from people unaware of the dangers to deliberate acts. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker summed it up: "At the end of the day, lasers and airplanes don't mix. If you have a laser, use it responsibly. Never aim it at an aircraft."
