Posted on: May 30, 2024, 12:32h.
Last updated on: May 30, 2024, 12:54h.
Passengers who fly in and out of Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport are concerned they may see their ticket prices increase.
That’s because the airport will be increasing the rates charged to airlines that land or take off at the complex. The new rates take effect on July 1, according to Las Vegas TV station KTNV.
Passengers have speculated their ticket prices could increase as a way to absorb the cost of the higher fees.
Airlines are charged for using gates, renting terminals, landing, and turning a plane. The increase in fees was approved by the Clark County Commissioners.
CPE Increases
Under the new schedule, cost per enplaned passenger (CPE) charged to airlines will increase from $6.49 to $7.27.
We try to keep those prices, the fees and the operations low for the airlines to hopefully carry that over to the customers as well,” Harry Reid Airport spokesperson Joe Rajchel told KTNV when asked about the new fees. “All of the operating costs are covered by the users who use this airport and the revenue that comes from that.”
Most of the money from fees covers debt service, salary, benefits, operations, and maintenance.
Passenger Concerns
Upon hearing about the fee increase, passengers speculated to KTNV that ticket prices may soon be upped.
“If we’re going to increase it for the airlines themselves, is that going to come back on the people who are buying the flights, buying the tickets?” Kristi Grasser asked.
I like how rates are right now, I don’t think I want them to change,” Las Vegas resident Marlon Medina added.
The new fees come as the number of passengers expected at the airport during 2024 is 58.8 million. That’s an increase from 2023’s record of 57.6 million.
The airport’s previous all-time high was 52.6 million passengers, achieved in 2022.
Setting a new annual passenger record emphasizes the strength of air travel in Las Vegas and the faith in Harry Reid International Airport to deliver a world-class customer experience,” Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County’s director of aviation, said in a recent statement. “We worked to raise the bar even further in 2023, as millions traveled for special events, conventions, sporting events, concerts, and more. Our attention is already focused on 2024 and meeting the continued demand for our growing region.”
Clark County is considering a second commercial airport in the Ivanpah Valley southwest of Las Vegas.
