An unprecedented surge in international travelers has propelled Harry Reid International Airport to achieve a groundbreaking milestone in passenger volume this May.
International Travel Soars
More than 5.2 million passengers traversed through Harry Reid International Airport during the month, marking a significant increase from the previous year. The surge in passenger volume can be largely attributed to a substantial uptick in international travel, as revealed by the latest monthly data released by the airport and Clark County Department of Aviation.
Record-Breaking Numbers
The numbers speak for themselves, with a remarkable 22 percent increase in international travel compared to May 2023. The combined arrival and departure of millions of passengers at Las Vegas' premier airport last month resulted in an impressive 5.2 percent year-over-year increase in passenger volumes. Out of the total passenger count, approximately 351,400 individuals traveled to and from international destinations, underscoring the airport's growing global connectivity. Domestic travel also experienced a modest uptick, registering a 4.3 percent increase to nearly 4.8 million passengers.
Upward Trajectory
The positive momentum extends to the year-to-date figures for 2024, with passenger traffic at Reid's airport climbing by 2.4 percent to reach 23.8 million passengers for the first five months. The dominance of discount carriers in airport services remains steadfast, as highlighted in the monthly report.
Airline Performance
Southwest Airlines, headquartered in Dallas, emerged as the frontrunner among carriers, facilitating travel for 1.9 million passengers to and from Las Vegas in May, marking a notable 9.3 percent increase from the previous year. Spirit Airlines followed closely behind, despite experiencing a slight decrease of 6.8 percent in passenger numbers, with approximately 704,000 passengers served. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines secured their positions as third and fourth-leading carriers, with robust increases of 13.4 percent and 12.3 percent in passenger travel, respectively.
Challenges Faced
Conversely, west side charter terminals and helicopter services witnessed a decline in passenger counts, recording a nearly 2 percent decrease for the month and a 6.6 percent drop year-to-date, according to the airport's data. The collective data paints a vivid picture of the evolving landscape of travel at Harry Reid International Airport, as international connections continue to drive growth and shape the airport's trajectory towards increased global accessibility.