Las Vegas is on the cusp of a spectacular rebound in international air travel. By the end of 2024’s fourth quarter, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is projected to surpass pre-pandemic traffic levels, reaching 104% of its previous capacity. This surge in global connectivity is driven by the return of international routes, with every destination – except those from Canada – expected to operate at full capacity. Even Canadian flights are performing strongly, operating at 99% of their pre-pandemic levels.
The growth of international travel is a testament to Las Vegas’s enduring allure as a global destination. Joel Van Over, senior director at Ailevon and a key figure with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), highlights the importance of new international routes in driving the airport’s impressive recovery and expansion. Van Over, who will represent Las Vegas at the 2024 World Routes Conference in Bahrain this October, emphasizes that these new routes are crucial for fueling the airport’s growth.
One highly anticipated new route is the Aer Lingus connection to Ireland, generating significant buzz among travel agents and influencers even before its official announcement.
Beyond international flights, conventions continue to be a significant driver of tourism in Las Vegas. Events like the Consumer Electronics Show, scheduled to take place from January 7 to January 10, will bring in a large influx of visitors from around the world. To accommodate these events, special international charter flights will be bringing delegates directly to Las Vegas from major cities like Paris, Tokyo, and London.
As Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) continues to expand its capacity, it is projected to reach its maximum limit of 65 million annual passengers by 2030. Airlines are proactively adjusting their schedules to capitalize on the growing capacity, reflecting the city’s booming popularity among travelers.
To ensure the long-term viability of air travel in the Las Vegas metropolitan area and address the growing demand, airport officials are advancing plans for the development of Ivanpah Valley Airport, also known as Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA). Located 23 miles (37 km) south of the Las Vegas Strip, this new airport is strategically positioned to alleviate congestion at Harry Reid International Airport.
Unlike Harry Reid, which faces space constraints for expansion, Ivanpah will span over 6,000 acres (2,400 ha), with an additional 17,000 acres (6,900 ha) reserved for future development. This vast footprint ensures ample room for growth and expansion, guaranteeing a sustainable future for air travel in the region.
The development of Ivanpah Valley Airport signifies Las Vegas’s commitment to its future as a global hub for travel and tourism. The city’s diverse offerings, encompassing entertainment, conferences, sports events, and natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, continue to draw visitors from around the world, solidifying its position as a premier destination. With the addition of a new airport to accommodate its growing needs, Las Vegas is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
