Passenger numbers at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas plummeted by over 8% in May compared to the same month last year, signaling ongoing challenges for the city’s tourism sector. Year-to-date, traffic is down 6.2%, with Spirit Airlines’ withdrawal and lower volumes from major carriers being major factors. Despite the fewer arrivals, Las Vegas casinos somehow managed to boost gaming revenues.
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Fewer Passengers, Persistent Challenges
Harry Reid International reported that 4.5 million passengers either arrived at or departed from the facility in May. That’s a steep drop from the nearly 5 million recorded in the same period last year. And domestic travel took the bigger hit, falling 8.6%, while international numbers were down by 5.7%. Year-to-date, the airport has seen approximately 21.5 million passengers pass through, marking a loss of around 1.42 million compared to last year. The exit of Spirit Airlines has been particularly impactful. In May 2025, the carrier served over half a million passengers from this airport, but this May, the number dwindled to just 3,869. Not only Spirit, but major players like Southwest and American also contributed to the decline, with the former seeing a modest 0.4% dip and the latter down by 2.9%.
Gaming Revenue Remains Resilient
While air traffic remains soft, the Las Vegas Strip’s gaming revenue doesn’t seem to be bothered—at least not yet. According to data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) on the Strip was up nearly 7% in April despite a reduction in visitors. Year-to-date GGR is up by 1.9%, climbing past $2.9 billion. Analysts are hopeful for May’s GGR to exceed the $713.7 million taken in May 2025. However, a lot hinges on baccarat’s performance—last month benefited from an unusually strong VIP hold. Should that stabilize, the revenue growth could be less dramatic.
Drive-In Numbers Affected by High Gas Prices
Alongside air travel, drive-in numbers are closely watched as indicators of tourism health. The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is set to release its May report, which will include vehicle counts along the vital I-15 and I-11 routes. Expectations aren’t high, given the persistently high gas prices fueled by geopolitical tensions with Iran. In California, a key market for Vegas, gas prices topped $6 a gallon in May due to a combination of high taxes and environmental laws.
Upcoming Reports to Provide Clarity
The Nevada Gaming Control Board will release the May gaming revenue figures soon, while the LVCVA will share tourism statistics, including visitor volume and convention attendance. These reports will offer a clearer picture of Las Vegas’s economic health amid persistent travel challenges. Observers are particularly interested in these figures as they will influence forecasts for the latter half of the year. The board is expected to review these developments in the coming weeks.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
