Las Vegas Airport: Delays And Their Causes Explained

As of January 2025, Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) was experiencing delays. Previously, in October 2024, the airport experienced general departure and arrival delays due to VOL:Compacted Demand, causing gate hold and taxi delays of up to 30 minutes. In January 2025, the airport's status was marked as DELAY STATUSEXCESSIVE, with no further details provided. It is important to check the airport's official website or flight tracker tools for the most up-to-date information on potential delays.

Delayed flights due to Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton has caused significant disruptions to air travel, impacting several airports and leading to delayed flights. Here is some detailed information about the situation:

As of October 10, 2024, Hurricane Milton has forced the closure of multiple airports, including St Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), and Tampa International Airport (TPA). These closures started on October 8 and 9, and the airports are expected to resume operations between October 11 and 12.

General departure delays are being experienced due to VOL:Compacted Demand, resulting in Gate Hold and Taxi delays ranging from 16 to 30 minutes in length, with the potential for further increases. Meanwhile, arrival traffic is facing airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.

Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights with their respective airlines, as specific flight information may provide further updates on any delays or cancellations. This information is crucial, as flight statuses can change rapidly due to the dynamic nature of hurricane activity and its impact on travel conditions.

It is important to note that the safety of passengers, crew, and ground staff is the top priority. Airports and airlines are working diligently to minimise disruptions and ensure the efficient resumption of operations as soon as it is safe to do so. Passengers are advised to follow any instructions provided by their airlines and to stay updated on the latest weather and travel advisories.

Gate hold and taxi delays

As of 10 October 2024, Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is experiencing general departure delays due to VOL:Compacted Demand. Traffic is experiencing gate hold and taxi delays of between 16 and 30 minutes in length, and these delays are increasing.

During gate hold and taxi delays, aircraft may be held at their assigned gates or on the taxiways for extended periods before being cleared for takeoff. These delays can cause frustration for passengers, especially if the delays are lengthy or continue to increase. It's important for passengers to remain patient and follow the instructions of the flight crew during these periods.

To manage gate hold and taxi delays, the airport and airlines may implement various strategies. These can include adjusting the spacing between aircraft, utilising different taxi routes, or coordinating more efficient gate assignments. Effective communication and collaboration between air traffic controllers, airline operations, and ground handling teams are crucial in mitigating the impact of such delays.

It's always recommended to check the latest airport and flight status before travelling to the airport. Passengers can stay updated by using flight tracking tools, checking the airport's website, or contacting their respective airlines directly to inquire about potential delays and their specific flights.

Arrival delays of 15 minutes or less

As of 10 October 2024, 10:32 PM GMT, Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is experiencing general arrival delays of 15 minutes or less. This is due to VOL:Compacted Demand, which is causing Gate Hold and Taxi delays of 16 to 30 minutes in duration and increasing.

These arrival delays of 15 minutes or less mean that incoming flights are experiencing minor delays while still in the air, prior to landing at the airport. This could be due to a variety of factors, including the high volume of air traffic and the need for aircraft to hold their position or circle before being cleared for landing.

While 15 minutes may not seem like a significant delay, it can have a ripple effect on subsequent flight schedules, causing further delays for departing flights. It is important for passengers to be aware of these delays and to check with their airline to determine if their flight is affected.

To minimise the impact of these arrival delays, passengers are advised to check the airport's website or a reliable flight-tracking application for real-time updates. Additionally, passengers can contact their respective airlines to determine if their flights are affected and to receive assistance with alternative arrangements if needed.

No flights departing or arriving

As of the 6th of January 2025, no flights are departing or arriving at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS). The airport was closed on the 3rd of December 2024 at 15:15 UTC and is expected to reopen on the 19th of March 2025 at 23:00 UTC. This prolonged closure is due to unspecified reasons, and it is unclear if it is related to the previous delays caused by Hurricane Milton in October 2024.

During Hurricane Milton, the airport experienced general departure and arrival delays. Departure delays were significant, with gate hold and taxi delays ranging from 16 to 30 minutes in length and increasing. Arrival delays were less severe, with airborne delays of 15 minutes or less. These delays were likely due to the impact of the hurricane on other airports, with several airports in Florida experiencing closures due to the storm.

It is important to note that the information provided indicates general airport conditions and may not be specific to individual flights. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines to determine if their flights are affected by any delays or cancellations. Real-time status updates can be found on the airport's website or through flight-tracking applications.

The closure of the airport has likely caused significant disruptions to travel plans, and it is essential for passengers to stay updated through official channels and adjust their itineraries accordingly. Alternative travel arrangements or accommodations may be necessary until the airport resumes operations.

Delays due to FAA status

As of the 6th of January 2025, the FAA status for Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) indicated that the airport was experiencing general departure and arrival delays. Departure traffic faced gate hold and taxi delays of 15 minutes or less, while arrival traffic experienced airborne delays of 15 minutes or less. These delays were not specific to particular flights, and passengers were advised to check with their airlines to determine if their flights were affected.

On the same day, due to weather and snow-ice conditions, departure flights destined for Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) faced more significant delays, averaging 48 minutes.

Previously, in October 2024, the airport experienced general departure delays due to "VOL:Compacted Demand," resulting in gate hold and taxi delays ranging from 16 to 30 minutes in length and increasing. Arrival traffic during this period also encountered airborne delays of 15 minutes or less.

In December 2024, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) was closed due to unspecified reasons, with an expected reopening date of March 19, 2025, at 23:00 UTC. No flights were departing or arriving during this period.

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