FAA Probes Laser Strike Near Charlotte Airport Involving US Airliner

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a reported laser strike involving a commercial aircraft near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, underscoring ongoing concerns about the safety risks posed by lasers aimed at planes during critical phases of flight.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the incident occurred on January 29 at around 7 a.m., when a flight crew operating an American Airlines aircraft reported that a blue laser was pointed at their cockpit as the plane approached Charlotte. The aircraft was approximately five miles from the airport at the time of the report.

The flight, operating as American Airlines Flight 3114, landed safely without incident. The FAA said it was not immediately clear how many passengers were on board. Data from FlightAware shows the aircraft departed Charleston, South Carolina, shortly after 6 a.m. and arrived in Charlotte about an hour later.

Soon after receiving the report from the flight crew, the FAA notified local law enforcement authorities and launched an investigation to determine the source of the laser. Officials said it remains unclear where the beam originated or whether a suspect has been identified.

The FAA continues to warn that laser strikes pose a serious threat to aviation safety. Even brief exposure to a high-powered laser can distract or temporarily impair pilots, particularly during takeoff and landing when workloads are highest and margins for error are limited. Blue and green lasers are considered especially dangerous because they are brighter and more likely to cause glare or flash blindness in the cockpit.

Laser strikes against aircraft are a federal offense in the United States. Individuals found aiming lasers at planes can face civil penalties from the FAA of up to $32,000 per violation. Criminal penalties may also apply, including fines of up to $250,000 and prison sentences of up to five years.

Despite years of public awareness campaigns, laser incidents remain widespread. The FAA said nearly 11,000 laser strikes were reported nationwide in 2025, reflecting the persistent nature of the problem as consumer access to powerful handheld lasers has increased.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest hubs in the US, serving as a major connecting point for domestic flights. Aviation authorities continue to urge the public to avoid pointing lasers at aircraft and to report suspicious activity, stressing that even a single laser strike can have serious consequences for flight crews and passengers alike.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, FlightAware, wbtv.com/