Published on: November 7, 2025, 07:56h.
Updated on: November 7, 2025, 07:56h.
- Las Vegas is one of the 40 key cities affected by FAA flight limitations
- Most operations at Harry Reid International are maintaining schedules today, Nov. 7
This morning, Las Vegas airport is primarily functioning on schedule despite the initiation of FAA-mandated flight restrictions amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The FAA has mandated a 10% reduction in flight operations at 40 high-traffic airports until the funding for federal employees, including air traffic controllers, is reinstated due to the government shutdown.
“We advise travelers to check with their respective airlines for any potential delays or cancellations,” stated Harry Reid International. “We sincerely appreciate our federal partners at LAS for their dedication to ensuring passenger safety and timely arrivals.”
This directive from the FAA follows a noticeable increase in air traffic controllers opting not to report for duty as they have not received paychecks for over a month. Although they will receive back pay, many are seeking temporary employment to manage their expenses.
“My department holds various responsibilities, but our top priority is safety. This isn’t a matter of politics — it’s about evaluating the data and reducing growing risks as controllers continue to work unpaid,” stated US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “It is safe to fly today, and it will remain safe to fly in the coming week due to our proactive initiatives.”
LAS Flight Status
Southwest Airlines, the leading airline in Las Vegas, is primarily responsible for the cancellations today.
Affected Southwest flights include routes to Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Ontario, Phoenix, Reno, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. Frontier has also cancelled flights to Chicago and San Francisco, Allegiant to Laredo, Alaska to Los Angeles, United to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and Delta to Minneapolis.
For the numerous flights departing LAS today, most remain on schedule, at least during these early hours (6 AM local time). Travelers can check flight statuses here. However, anticipations of delays should be considered as airlines adjust their schedules, arrival slots, and crew assignments.
As many travelers are rerouting due to cancellations, flights are likely to be fully booked, which may extend boarding and deboarding periods and delay airplane turnarounds.
Airlines Eliminate Fees
Most major airlines have temporarily waived change fees.
“Southwest Airlines is assessing the necessary scheduling adjustments to comply with FAA’s flight reductions. While the vast majority of our flights remain unaffected, all passengers booked through Wednesday, November 12, can adjust their travel plans without charge or get a refund if they choose not to travel, regardless of flight status,” stated Southwest in a notice.
Las Vegas ranks as the eighth-busiest air transportation hub in the United States, with Harry Reid International Airport facilitating over 43.5 million travelers arriving and departing in the first nine months of 2025.