Returning seasonal flights add nearly 50,000 roundtrip seats as strong tourism and business travel continue driving demand.

RENO, Nev. (June 29, 2026) – From weekend getaways to convention travel, summer demand is building in Reno Tahoe—and Reno-Tahoe International Airport is meeting it with returning seasonal nonstops and added capacity.

Tourism and convention metrics reinforce air travel demand
Sustained demand for air travel in northern Nevada is showing up clearly at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). Spring 2026 passenger traffic climbed 4% compared to spring 2025, with April and May posting the strongest monthly passenger counts in 19 years. That continued momentum has helped support the return of seasonal routes, bringing tens of thousands of additional roundtrip seats to the market this summer.

The increase in air travel reflects the region’s strong tourism and business economy, driven by expanded year-round events, conventions and continued visitor demand. National travel research commissioned by Visit Reno Tahoe shows more than three in five Americans (61.5%) continue to rank leisure travel among their highest spending priorities, despite broader economic uncertainty.

That demand is translating into record tourism performance across Reno Tahoe. Convention and group business at the destination’s top reporting hotels is up nearly 14% fiscal year-to-date through April, while April marked the highest taxable room revenue ever recorded for the month at $52.6 million—up 25% year over year. The momentum has continued into May, with visitor counts increasing 17% and taxable room revenue climbing 27% compared to the same time last year.

“The demand for air service in our region remains exceptionally strong, and it drives RNO’s expansion of flight options and routes,” said Cris Jensen, president and CEO, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. “Our growing route network reflects the confidence our airline partners have in RNO and in our market. As the summer travel season ramps up, we’re proud to give passengers even more convenient nonstop options from RNO.”

“Travelers continue making vacations and business travel a priority, and we’re seeing that reflected here in Reno Tahoe,” said Mike Larragueta, President and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe. “Our research shows people are looking for destinations that offer a variety of experiences in one trip, from Lake Tahoe and outdoor adventure to meetings, sporting events, gaming, and live entertainment. That continued demand supports our local businesses while reinforcing the importance of strong air service for both visitors and Northern Nevada residents.”

More nonstop options to meet summertime travel demand 
Compared to summer 2025, airlines have added nearly 45,000 additional roundtrip seats to RNO this summer, providing travelers with more nonstop options and reflecting the airlines’ continued confidence in the northern Nevada air service market.

RNO’s summertime flights are in full swing, including the following non-stop seasonal routes.

  • Delta Air Lines offers non-stop service to Minneapolis (MSP) through Sept. 9.
  • JetBlue offers daily non-stop service to New York City (JFK) through Sept. 8 with a new daytime departure time.
  • JSX Airlines offers non-stop service to Carlsbad (CLD) and Las Vegas (LAS) through Sept. 28.
  • Southwest Airlines offers:
    • Non-stop service to Dallas-Love (DAL) through Sept. 27.
    • Non-stop service to Chicago-Midway (MDW) through Sept. 28.
  • Sun Country Airlines offers non-stop service to Minneapolis (MSP) May 21 through Aug. 30.
  • United Airlines offers non-stop service to Houston-Intercontinental (IAH) through Aug. 9.

What it means for northern Nevada travelers and the visitor economy
With continued passenger growth and expanded seasonal nonstop options, RNO is well positioned to meet the air travel needs of northern Nevada residents while supporting the continued growth of Reno Tahoe’s visitor economy.