RELEASE – Reno-Tahoe International Airport Celebrates Another Record-Breaking Year in 2025

RENO, Nev. (Jan. 14, 2026) – Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) welcomed 4.9 million passengers in 2025, surpassing last year’s record of 4.8 million and marking the airport’s busiest year since 2008. The milestone reflects sustained regional growth, expanded air service and continued investment in airport infrastructure that supports the region’s economy and quality of life. 

“This record represents years of planning, partnership and persistence,” said Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority President and CEO Daren Griffin, who will depart the organization in early 2026. “Our team never lost sight of serving our community, even during some of our most challenging moments.” 

Throughout the year, RNO navigated operational impacts tied to a historic federal government shutdown while remaining safe, open and fully operational. The airport worked closely with federal partners and community organizations to support affected employees, underscoring its role as both critical infrastructure and a community anchor. 

Notable Air Service Highlights 

Air service growth played a key role in 2025 passenger gains. Compared to last year, RNO saw a 3% increase in available flights, representing more than 85,000 additional roundtrip airline seats added throughout the year. 

• August 2025 marked the busiest month at RNO in 20 years 

• Frontier Airlines returned with expanded nonstop service to several popular destinations 

• Southwest Airlines launched new nonstop service to Austin 

• JSX launched new nonstop service to Las Vegas and Carlsbad 

Growth is expected to continue in 2026, with a projected 4% increase in available airline seats this summer as compared to 2025. 

Transformative Projects 

Success in 2025 was driven in part by continued progress on MoreRNO, the airport’s multi-year, billion-dollar infrastructure program. Throughout the year, the airport reached several major construction milestones, including groundbreakings for the Central Utility Plant (CUP), the Police and Airport Authority Headquarters (The HQ) and the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) which are all projects that lay the foundation necessary to support growth in the Reno-Tahoe region and maintain operational resilience. 

Momentum will continue into 2026, when the airport is scheduled to break ground on two new concourses, the final and largest phase of the MoreRNO program. These concourses will significantly expand gate capacity and are designed to support future air service growth while providing travelers with more space, modern amenities and a sense of place reflective of the region. 

In addition to progress at RNO, the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) launched work in 2025 on the Reno-Stead Airport Master Plan, a long-range planning effort that will guide the future development of Reno-Stead Airport. The plan evaluates existing facilities, forecasts aviation demand and identifies opportunities to support aviation, aerospace and business development while ensuring the region’s broader aviation system is prepared for long-term growth. 

Beyond these major initiatives, the airport also completed dozens of essential, behind-the-scenes improvement projects in 2025. While less visible, this work is equally critical and included airfield, terminal and roadway upgrades, along with safety, technology and utility improvements. Together, these projects ensure the airport continues to operate safely, efficiently and reliably every day for passengers, employees, tenants and airline partners. 

Collectively, these investments support one of the area’s most critical economic assets. RNO serves as a powerful economic engine for the region by supporting thousands of jobs, enabling business and tourism growth and strengthening connectivity that fuels the local economy. 

Enhancing the Passenger Experience 

In 2025, the airport advanced a new concessions program designed to elevate the passenger experience while creating opportunities for local and regional businesses. As part of this effort, the RTAA will soon release public solicitations known as Requests for Proposals (RFPs)—a formal process to identify businesses to fill available food, beverage and retail spaces at the airport. 

In advance of the RFP process, RTAA hosted a series of meet-and-greet and community feedback opportunities in 2025, connecting interested small and local businesses with prime concessionaires and gathering input to help shape future offerings. The RFPs are expected to launch in 2026, aligning with the new concourse modernization efforts under the MoreRNO program. 

Art and Community Impact 

In 2025, the airport continued expanding its Arts at the Airport program, announcing the artist selection for the Loop Road project and launching the first of four Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for the HQ project. Together, these efforts reinforce a commitment to placemaking and showcase the local culture through public art integrated throughout airport spaces. 

Looking Ahead to 2026 

As RNO looks toward 2026, momentum continues. Construction will accelerate across multiple projects, the team will continue efforts to secure additional air service and planning remains focused on meeting long-term regional demand. 

“For me, this year is also a moment of gratitude,” Griffin said. “I’m incredibly proud of what this team has built together and confident the airport is on the right track for the future.” 

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The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) operates two of the most important economic drivers for our region–the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and the Reno-Stead Airport (RTS). The RTAA is financially self-sufficient, meaning it is funded through airport operations and not state or local taxes. Eleven airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.