Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, has seen a surge in visitors in 2023, setting a new record for passenger traffic at its main airport. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) served 57.6 million passengers in 2023, surpassing its previous record of 52.7 million in 2022 by 9.3%. This is the fifth consecutive year that LAS has achieved an annual passenger record, reflecting the strong recovery of the tourism and gaming industry in the city.

How LAS achieved the record

LAS, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, was renamed in honor of former Nevada Senator Harry Reid in 2022. The airport is the primary gateway to Las Vegas and the surrounding areas, serving more than 30 airlines and offering nonstop service to over 150 destinations. LAS is also one of the busiest airports in the US, ranking eighth in terms of passenger traffic in 2022.

The airport handled 4.8 million passengers in November 2023, breaking its monthly record for the 11th time in the year. The airport also saw its best-ever month in July 2023, with 4.95 million passengers. The airport attributed the record-breaking performance to several factors, including:

• The reopening of the US borders to international travelers in November 2022, which boosted the demand for flights to and from Las Vegas. LAS saw a 33% increase in international passenger traffic in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
• The expansion and diversification of the Las Vegas tourism market, which attracted more visitors from different segments and regions. Las Vegas hosted several major events in 2023, such as the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Consumer Electronics Show, the NFL Draft, and the World Series of Poker. The city also welcomed new attractions, such as the Resorts World Las Vegas, the MSG Sphere, and the Boring Company’s underground loop system.
• The increased capacity and competition among the airlines serving LAS, which offered more choices and lower fares to travelers. Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines, the two largest carriers at LAS, both increased their passenger numbers by more than 13% and 20%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2023. Other airlines, such as Allegiant, JetBlue, and Sun Country, also expanded their presence and routes at LAS.

What the record means for Las Vegas

The record passenger volume at LAS is a positive indicator for the economic and social recovery of Las Vegas, which was severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The pandemic forced the closure of many hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues in the city, resulting in a sharp decline in visitors and revenues. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas received 19 million visitors in 2020, down 55.2% from 2019. The city also lost $34 billion in economic impact and 165,000 jobs due to the pandemic.

However, thanks to the widespread vaccination and the easing of restrictions, Las Vegas has bounced back strongly in 2023, regaining its status as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers. The city has seen a steady increase in occupancy rates, gaming revenues, and convention attendance, reaching pre-pandemic levels or higher. The record passenger volume at LAS also demonstrates the confidence and enthusiasm of travelers to visit Las Vegas and enjoy its unique offerings.

What the future holds for LAS

LAS is not resting on its laurels after achieving the record passenger volume in 2023. The airport is planning to invest in various projects and initiatives to enhance its facilities, operations, and services, and to accommodate the expected growth in demand. Some of the projects and initiatives include:

• The construction of a new terminal, Terminal 4, which will add 30 gates and increase the airport’s capacity by 15 million passengers per year. The terminal is expected to be completed by 2027 and will cost $2.5 billion.
• The renovation and modernization of the existing terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, which will improve the passenger experience and efficiency. The project will include upgrading the security checkpoints, baggage systems, restrooms, and signage, as well as adding new amenities, such as charging stations, Wi-Fi, and art installations.
• The development of a new ground transportation center, which will consolidate the rental car, taxi, ride-hailing, and shuttle services in one location. The center will reduce congestion and emissions, and provide a seamless connection to the airport terminals via an automated people mover. The center is expected to be operational by 2026 and will cost $1.2 billion.
• The collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration, the airlines, and the local stakeholders to implement new technologies and procedures to optimize the airspace and runway use, and to reduce noise and environmental impacts. The airport is also exploring the possibility of adding a third runway to increase its operational capacity and flexibility.

LAS is confident that it will continue to serve as the gateway to Las Vegas and the region, and to support the growth and development of the tourism and gaming industry. The airport is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and enjoyable travel experience to its passengers, and to contributing to the economic and social well-being of the community.