Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport is on the list it didn’t want to be on — the 40 U.S. airports that will face 10 percent flight reductions by the Federal Aviation Administration starting Friday morning.
Details of how the flight reduction will be managed are expected to be explained later Thursday.
The reduction, being established as a safety precaution during the U.S. government shutdown that entered its 37th day Thursday, is expected to result in the elimination of more than 150 flights a day in Las Vegas.
Representatives of the airport said Thursday morning they are awaiting more information from the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation and that once it’s received, they would provide an update.
Other western airports that made the list include Denver International, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma and Salt Lake City.
Most U.S. airlines have indicated they would directly contact customers whose flights are canceled or delayed by reduction plan.
Southwest Airlines, the busiest commercial air at Reid, said on its website Thursday that it expects most of its passengers would not be affected.
“Southwest Airlines is evaluating how the planned FAA flight reductions, announced on Nov. 5 and expected to begin Nov. 7, will affect our schedule,” the airline stated. “Southwest will communicate directly with customers as soon as possible. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees.”
Southwest also explained what to expect on flights that are canceled.
“If your flight is canceled, we will notify you via the contact information you shared with us at booking. You will also see a message on our app and website if you retrieve a trip with a canceled flight.
“In most cases, we will automatically rebook you on another flight. You will receive a follow-up message once you’ve been rebooked.
“If your flight has been canceled and you decide not to travel, you are eligible for a refund. If your itinerary doesn’t work, you can rebook your flight.
“If you choose not to travel on your new itinerary, please cancel your reservation at least 10 minutes before the new flight’s scheduled departure time in accordance with our no-show policy.”
The flight reduction comes as Las Vegas tourism businesses started regaining their footing from months of visitation downturns during 2025. Experts have forecast that visitation numbers would improve during the last two months of the year leading into 2026 which is predicted to have one of the strongest convention and trade show years in history.
That could sour if the FAA reduction and the government shutdown continues for long.
The Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled Nov. 20-22 and race fans are likely to begin arriving days prior to the event. Aviation experts say international travel is least likely to be affected by the FAA’s plans.
The reduction is occurring three weeks before Thanksgiving and a month out from the Dec. 4-13 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. It also could affect attendees of the Specialty Equipment Market Association automotive aftermarket trade show, which wraps up Friday and annually draws more than 100,000 people to the city, becoming one of the city’s largest conventions.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on X.
