As thousands of people prepare to leave Northern Nevada for the Memorial Day weekend, Reno-Tahoe International Airport is expecting one of its busiest travel stretches of the year, with packed parking lots, crowded terminals, and heavy traffic around the airport.
Airport officials expect between 15,000 and 16,000 passengers each day during peak travel days on Thursday, May 21, Friday, May 22, and Monday, May 25, marking the unofficial start of the summer travel season.
With construction continuing around the airport, officials are warning drivers to expect changing traffic patterns and possible delays getting to the terminal. Travelers are being encouraged to arrive at least two hours before their flights to allow extra time for parking, security lines, and traffic congestion.
Parking demand is also expected to spike during the holiday weekend. Officials said travelers should consider reserving parking ahead of time through the airport’s website or be prepared to use overflow parking areas that could require a longer walk to the terminal.
The airport is also encouraging people to consider getting dropped off by friends or family members instead of parking onsite.
Travelers are being advised to check directly with their airlines for updated flight information before heading to the airport.
The busy holiday weekend also signals the return of several seasonal nonstop routes at Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Airport officials said the airport is expected to add 47,000 more round-trip seats for summer 2026 compared with summer 2025.
Among the returning seasonal routes are Delta Air Lines flights to Minneapolis beginning June 7 and JetBlue daily flights to New York City beginning June 12 with a new daytime departure schedule.
JSX Airlines will resume nonstop service to Carlsbad and Las Vegas beginning June 11, while Southwest Airlines will bring back nonstop flights to Dallas-Love and Chicago-Midway beginning June 4.
Sun Country Airlines is scheduled to begin seasonal Minneapolis service May 21, and United Airlines will resume nonstop flights to Houston-Intercontinental beginning May 23.
