The Airport Prepares for Increase in Passengers and Burning Man Activity
RENO, Nev. (Aug. 21, 2024) – The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is preparing for its busiest day in nearly 20 years, expecting more than 20,000 passengers to come and go on Sunday, August 25, 2024. This milestone surpasses even recent major holiday travel numbers, marking the highest single-day seat count since August 2005.
The surge in passenger numbers is largely driven by new and returning summer routes but also the return of the annual Burning Man event, which brings thousands of attendees through RNO this time of year. This significant increase in travelers, coupled with the unique nature of Burning Man, presents distinct operational challenges, and the airport is prepared with several adjustments to meet all travelers’ needs.
During this period, the busiest days at the airport are expected to be Aug. 23, 25, 26 and Sept. 2.
Interview Opportunity:
Where: Reno-Tahoe International Airport
When: Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024 and Monday, Sept. 2, 2024
Media interested in scheduling an interview with airport officials or filming on property can do so by calling the airport’s media line 844-RNO-INFO (844-766-4636).
Burning Man Terminal Activities & Visuals:
- Burner Express Shuttle: Burner Express will be available on airport property beginning Aug. 24. Due to ongoing construction, the pick-up and drop-off location will continue operations just north of the main terminal, the same as the previous year.
- Air Playa Info Desk: The Air Playa Info desk will be available to assist Burning Man travelers upon arrival at RNO starting Aug. 23, located in the main terminal lobby near the Ski Statue.
- Donation Opportunities: After the event, Burning Man attendees will have the chance to donate unwanted items and bicycles at the Burner Express drop-off.
- Post-Event Cleanliness Efforts: RNO is committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment following the event. Large trash receptacles will be provided for disposing of unwanted items, airlines will offer bags to cover luggage to protect baggage belts from playa dust and booties will be available at some airport entrances to help keep floors clean from the dust brought in on travelers’ feet.
For more information on Burning Man at the airport, visit www.renoairport.com/burningman.
Travel Tips:
- Arrive Early: Passengers are strongly encouraged to arrive at least two hours before their flight to account for increased crowds, longer security lines and ongoing construction activities, including road construction on the airport’s Loop Road.
- Avoid Curbside Waiting: Avoid waiting curbside and use the Free Waiting Lot to pick up passengers conveniently.
- Oversized Vehicles: Be aware that oversized vehicles will not be able to park on airport property and some height clearance restrictions are present along the Loop Road, some areas are as low as 13 feet.
- Explore Art: While at the airport, passengers can get into the Burner spirit by visiting the newest exhibit, “Beyond Blackrock: A Global Burning Man Showcase,” in the depARTures Gallery, which spotlights five Burning Man events from around the world.
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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. Ten airlines serve RNO, flying to multiple nonstop destinations throughout the United States and Mexico. For more details, visit www.renoairport.com.