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Reno-Tahoe International Airport Gears Up for Burning Man and Labor Day Travel Rush

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Passengers Encouraged to Plan Ahead with New Parking Option
 

RENO, Nev. (Aug. 25, 2026) – Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is preparing for a busy Burning Man travel season, with the annual event coinciding with Labor Day weekend. Passenger traffic is expected to increase on Aug. 30, Sept. 4 and 7, with approximately 20,000 passengers expected each day and scheduled airline capacity up 2.7% year over year. These peak travel days make it especially important for travelers to plan ahead and allow extra time. Since 1990, RNO has successfully met the air travel demand generated by Burning Man, helping drive the long-term growth of event-specific service—including this year’s added nonstop flights to Newark on United Airlines and Los Angeles on American Airlines.

With Burning Man activity, holiday travel and ongoing construction along the airport’s Loop Road all contributing to increased congestion, travelers should expect heavier traffic and crowded roadways around RNO.

What to Know Before You Go

  • Don’t wait curbside: With increased traffic and pedestrian activity, drivers picking up passengers should not wait along the Loop Road. Use the airport’s designated Free Waiting Lot until your arriving passenger is ready for pick-up.
  • Burner Express Pick-Up: Boarding for the Burner Express will be outside Baggage Claim.
  • Burner Express Drop-Off: Returning Burners will be dropped off on the south end of the Loop Road, just before Southwest Airlines check-in.

Know Your Parking Options

  • Plan your parking:
    • Check real-time availability and reserve parking in advance at renoairport.com/parking.
    • The new Park & Walk Lot gives passengers a lower daily parking rate and requires a 10-15 minute walk to the terminal. Reminder: shuttles are not provided for this lot.
    • Catch a ride with a friend, family member or rideshare.
  • Respect vehicle restrictions: Oversized vehicles are not permitted on airport property, and some Loop Road clearances are as low as 13 feet.

Travel Tips for All Passengers

  • Arrive early: Plan to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure to allow extra time for increased crowds, security and construction-related delays.
  • Enjoy a little art along the way: Stop by the depARTures Gallery on C Concourse to check out this year’s Burning Man exhibition, “The Temple: Sacred Heart of Black Rock City,” on display through October.
  • Help keep RNO and our community clean: Returning Burners can drop off unwanted bikes at the south-end drop-off location before the Southwest Airlines bag drop. Luggage dust bags and foot coverings will be available at airline check-in counters to help keep the airport clean and welcoming for everyone.

For full details and additional Burning Man travel information, visit renoairport.com/burningman.

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About the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority 
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. 

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