Las Vegas Airport Cancels 23 Flights on Day 1 of FAA Restrictions, Departures Otherwise on Time

Posted on: November 7, 2025, 07:56h. 

Last updated on: November 7, 2025, 09:37h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.
  • Las Vegas is one of the 40 major cities impacted by FAA flight restrictions
  • Most flights at Harry Reid International remain on schedule as of Friday, November 7

Las Vegas airport is largely running on time Friday morning, the first day of the Federal Aviation Administration-mandated (FAA) flight restrictions during the continuing shutdown of the federal government.

Las Vegas airport cancellations Harry Reid
A screengrab of the online departure board at Harry Reid International Airport. On the first day of the FAA restrictions, more than 20 flights have been cancelled at Las Vegas’ primary airport, though the hundreds of other flights are on time this morning. (Image: Casino.org)

The FAA has ordered that 40 high-volume airports reduce their flight traffic by 10% until the government shutdown ends and funding for federal employees, which includes air traffic controllers, is restored.

We encourage travelers to check with their airlines regarding potential delays or cancellations,” Harry Reid International said in a statement. “We extend our sincere thanks to all our federal partners here at LAS for their continued commitment to ensuring travelers reach their destination safely.”

The FAA directive comes after a growing number of air traffic controllers have refused to come to work after not receiving a paycheck for over a month. Though they will be back paid, bills need to be paid, and that’s forcing some to find temporary work.

“My department has many responsibilities, but our number one job is safety. This isn’t about politics — it’s about assessing the data and alleviating building risk in the system as controllers continue to work without pay,” said US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “It’s safe to fly today, and it will continue to be safe to fly next week because of the proactive actions we are taking.” 

LAS on Time 

Southwest, by far the largest airline serving the casino capital of the United States, is responsible for the bulk of Friday’s flight cancellations.

Southwest cancellations include flights to Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Ontario, Phoenix, Reno, San Diego, San Francisco, and San Jose. Frontier cancelled flights to Chicago and San Francisco, Allegiant cancelled a flight to Laredo, while Alaska called off a flight to Los Angeles. United canned planes to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and Delta folded on a trip to Minneapolis.

For the hundreds of other flights departing out of LAS on Friday, schedules remain largely on time, at least at this early hour (6 am local time). Flight status can be found here. Flight delays, however, should be expected, as airlines rework their flight times, airport arrival slots, and crew schedules.

With many travelers needing to rebook flights due to cancellations, flights are expected to be full, which can lead to longer boarding and deboarding times, and hamper airplane turnarounds.

Airlines Ditch Fees 

Most major airlines have temporarily suspended change fees.

Southwest Airlines is determining the scheduling adjustments needed to meet the required FAA flight reductions. While the vast majority of our customers’ flights will not be disrupted, all Southwest customers, with travel booked through Wednesday, November 12, may adjust their travel plans at no cost, or receive a refund if they choose not to travel, regardless of whether their flight is affected,” Southwest said in an advisory.

Las Vegas is the eighth-busiest air hub in the US. Through nine months of 2025, Harry Reid International has facilitated more than 43.5 million arriving and departing air travelers.