LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Air Service Summary for April 2023 indicates that air service in Las Vegas is experiencing a strong recovery from losses seen during the pandemic, as average daily inbound capacity levels increased by more than 3,000 daily seats to 96,900 in April, setting a new record for 2023.
According to the report, domestic capacity is +22% compared to 2019 levels and international capacity is recovered at 88% with the return of European seasonal markets, which is the highest level since the pandemic. Condor, Edelweiss and Eurowings Discover are all resuming their summer seasonal flights in April.
Las Vegas is the fourth-most-affected metropolitan area by the pandemic, with the TSA reporting that throughput for March 2023 was 110% of 2019 levels, 12% higher than the U.S. average of 98%. In March, TSA throughput was 2.14 million, the sixth-highest of any U.S. airport. The summary notes that the last time TSA’s weekly recovery rate in Las Vegas fell below 100% was February 12, 2023.
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Las Vegas’ capacity recovery is driven by growth in low-cost carriers (LCCs) and ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs), with Southwest’s service increasing monthly and having its largest schedule in place for May 2023. LCCs and ULCCs are expected to increase capacity by +36% in May 2023 compared to pre-pandemic capacity levels. Overall, there are 16 more domestic markets with nonstop service than before the COVID pandemic, and 19 international markets have been recovered in April 2023.
In June, the city is expected to set a new capacity record, averaging more than 97,600 inbound seats per day. According to the report, the city’s capacity growth in the second quarter is expected to be +17% compared to the second quarter of 2019, making Las Vegas the third-largest airport in the United States, behind Miami and Orlando respectively.
“Demand for Las Vegas continues to reach historic highs,” said Christine Crews, Harry Reid International Airport’s chief public affairs, marketing and airport experience officer. “Harry Reid International Airport broke its annual record with 52.6 million passengers in 2022. Airlines are recognizing this demand and responding by bringing more seats to the market and offering nonstop service from more destinations. In fact, LAS is offering nonstop service from more domestic destinations than it did pre-COVID. With an influx of special events, such as NFL games and other large-scale entertainment options, as well as world-class dining and gaming, there truly is something for everyone. We are seeing unprecedented growth and expect it to continue.”