This is going to put a crimp in the effort to get visitation rates back up in Vegas.
That's because Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas is facing a 10 percent reduction in air traffic volume starting today. The move is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) nationwide strategy to manage the prolonged government shutdown and the growing pressure on air traffic controllers.
The shutdown is currently the longest in history.
The FAA's reduction is in response to severe staff shortages, with approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers working without pay, putting both operational capacity and safety at risk.
These cutbacks come at a time when Las Vegas is already experiencing a noticeable decline in visitation rates compared to previous years.
Harry Reid Airport Not The Only One Juggling Reductions
This measure affects 40 of the nation’s busiest “high-volume” airports and is intended to maintain safety while controllers work unpaid and staffing shortages grow.
The FAA’s 10 percent cut in scheduled flights will roll out at major airports across more than two dozen states, including:
- Las Vegas
- Atlanta
- Denver
- Dallas
- Orlando
- Miami
- San Francisco
- All major New York-area airports.
The reductions are being phased in: changes will start at 4 percent today, ramp up to 6 percent by November 11, then 8 percent by November 13, and will reach 10 percent the following week.
The goal is to relieve pressure as air traffic controllers show increasing signs of stress and fatigue, with some calling in sick or seeking second jobs amid unpaid work.
Airlines are adjusting schedules, warning travelers about rolling cancellations and likely delays at affected airports starting today.
Specific Impact on Harry Reid Airport
As of last night, 35 Friday flights (18 arrivals, 17 departures) at Harry Reid Airport had already been canceled by carriers including Southwest, United, and Delta.
Unless the shutdown ends, further cancellations and schedule disruptions are anticipated for the weekend and the following days.
Las Vegas airport passenger traffic had already been trending downward, with eight straight months of declines through September and volume down nearly 5 percent year-over-year.
There is heightened concern about these cuts ahead of major events in Las Vegas, such as the upcoming F1 race and the Thanksgiving travel surge.
Sin City Visitation Rates Continue to Struggle
The latest data shows that Las Vegas visitation rates are currently declining compared to previous years.
For the first half of 2025, Las Vegas has averaged about 108,000 visitors per day, a decrease of more than 7% from the same period in 2024.
According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the city has welcomed around 30 million visitors, which is an 8% drop year-over-year. September alone saw about 3 million visitors, an 8.8% decline compared to the prior year. This, after the August numbers were also down.
Even individual casino resorts, like Caesars Palace, are feeling the effects of the extended decline in visitation.
Flight Cuts Will Not Help Las Vegas Bounce Back
Despite this decline in visitation, some industry insiders stress that Las Vegas is still busy, with strong demand on weekends and during major events. But if the flights at Harry Reid Airport aren't restored in a timely manner, that excitement may be subdued.
For example, the upcoming Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix and other large conventions are expected to bring significant crowds. Casinos and businesses point to continuing healthy gaming revenue and assert the city does not need a "rebound" since it remains a top travel destination.
The flight cuts are expected to intensify the visitation decline in Las Vegas by limiting travel options, causing cancellations and delays, and adding to the challenges the city faces in attracting and retaining visitors during a sensitive period for its tourism industry.
