As flights are canceled, Las Vegas's tourism troubles deepen

"The city's main airport is one of the 40 airports the Federal Aviation Administration directed to cancel up to 10% of its flights to relieve pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers due to the ongoing government shutdown. By 1:40 p.m. Friday, there were more than 185 delayed or canceled flights at the Las Vegas' Harry Reid airport. Southwest Airlines had the most delays and cancellations, with 24 flights canceled and 107 delayed as of mid-day Friday, according to FlightAware."

"The disruption in air travel could have a continued impact on the local economy if visitors choose to alter or cancel Las Vegas trips in the face of uncertainty. Las Vegas businesses joined almost 500 businesses nationwide in penning a letter to government officials urging them to end the shutdown. The letter, organized by the U.S. Travel Association and addressing top congressional leaders, said the U.S. travel industry has already lost $4 billion since the shutdown began and pleaded with them to open the government ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel."

"MGM Resorts, The Venetian Casino Resort, Caesars Entertainment and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) all signed the letter. "We are actively monitoring the FAA's announcement to understand how the planned flight reductions will be implemented and how they will affect service to and from Las Vegas. Travel disruptions like this underscore why the LVCVA joined others in urging Congress to reopen the government," a spokesperson for the LVCVA told SAFGATE via email."

The FAA directed up to 10% flight cancellations at 40 airports, including Las Vegas' main airport, to relieve pressure on unpaid air traffic controllers during the government shutdown. By early Friday more than 185 flights at Harry Reid Airport were delayed or canceled, with Southwest Airlines reporting the most service disruptions. Travel disruptions risk deeper hits to the local economy if visitors alter or cancel trips. Nearly 500 businesses, including major Las Vegas resorts and the LVCVA, signed a letter organized by the U.S. Travel Association seeking an end to the shutdown, citing $4 billion in travel industry losses. Local industry observers note declining visitor numbers and increased promotions as signs of ongoing tourism weakness.

Read at SFGATE