International travel helps Las Vegas airport set record in 2024

Thursday, January 30, 2025 2:33 PM
Photo:  Shutterstock
  • Buck Wargo, CDC Gaming

Led by a double-digit gain in international travel, Harry Reid International Airport set an all-time record in 2024 by serving 58.4 million passengers, the third consecutive year of record-setting growth. It surpassed the previous record of 57.6 million in 2023.

In 2024, eight of the 12 months set new monthly records. October was the second busiest month ever, with LAS handling 5.4 million passengers.

International travel surged by 13.6 percent compared to 2023. LAS made significant strides for international air service in 2024, reaching 3.7 million, up from 3.25 million. By contrast, domestic travel rose 0.7%.

Travel was boosted from market leaders Canada and Mexico, in addition to gains from Europe and Korea.

Aer Lingus introduced nonstop flights between Las Vegas and Dublin, Ireland. Volaris launched nonstop routes to Tijuana, creating access to nearly 40 Mexican cities. It rose 20% to 366,370. Virgin Atlantic resumed nonstop service to Manchester, England and logged a 22% increase in 2024 to 192,139. British Airways rose 6% to 297,936. Norse Atlantic Airways began direct flights to London’s Gatwick International Airport, handling 26,043 passengers.

Porter Airlines brought back seasonal service to Ottawa and Montreal, with 105,526 passengers. Westjet and Air Canada continued to dominate the market with the two highest passenger accounts at 861,635 and 661,372, respectively.

Korean Air expanded schedules, offering daily flights to and from Seoul for a 33% increase to 145,483.

In citing the increase in passengers, the airport pointed to Las Vegas shining on the global stage in 2024. The city hosted its first-ever Super Bowl, raced into its second annual Formula 1 Grand Prix, and served as a key destination for over 25 visits from presidential and vice-presidential candidates during a pivotal election year. In addition, legacy conventions, world-class concerts, and professional sporting events continued to draw millions of visitors.

“Our airport is the gateway to all that southern Nevada has to offer,” said Clark County Director of Aviation Rosemary Vassiliadis. “This record-breaking year is a testament to the critical role our airport system plays on a global scale. We’ve embraced the continued growth that comes with the expansive options in the sports and entertainment capital of the world; and we’re focused on long-term planning for modernizing and maximizing LAS to continue delivering the exceptional service that travelers have come to expect from the destination.”

Looking ahead, Vassiliadis said the next several years will be crucial for evolving LAS to match southern Nevada’s rapid growth. Addressing such challenges as a landlocked campus and constrained airspace is key to ensuring continued expansion.

“LAS remains committed to being a catalyst for the region’s progress by enhancing infrastructure and maintaining its position as a global origin-and-destination airport and the gateway to the Las Vegas region.”

As part of their commitment to excellent service, LAS introduced new amenities in 2024 to elevate the passenger experience.

Curbside concierge service allow travelers to skip lines and check in by dropping off luggage at the Rent-A-Car Center or Terminal 3 departures’ curb before heading directly to security.

Online parking reservations enable travelers to secure prime parking spots at either terminal up to three months in advance, offering peace of mind, especially during busy holiday weekends.