‘It’s an untapped market’: New top airport official wants flights from Las Vegas to this country
Summary
Clark County’s newly appointed director of aviation, James Chrisley, says passenger counts at Harry Reid International are cyclical and expects a rebound later this year or next. Passenger volumes are down about 4.4% year-to-date to 32.4 million travellers, but Chrisley is already pushing airline recruitment efforts — including attending Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong — to win new long-haul services.
He’s particularly targeting Japan, calling it an “untapped market” for nonstop flights to Las Vegas; the city once had Tokyo routes in the 1990s but no longer does. MGM’s planned Osaka resort and other market signals make the route plausible, and only Korean Air currently offers a daily nonstop from Asia (Seoul).
Beyond route development, Chrisley is focusing on passenger experience at Reid: lounges are booming (Capital One opened recently; Chase Sapphire and an Amex sidecar lounge are coming), and airlines are negotiating for more lounge space. His Air Force logistics and construction background is presented as directly relevant to planned multimillion-pound expansion and a longer-term reliever-airport project in the Ivanpah Valley.
Key Points
- James Chrisley is the new Clark County director of aviation, succeeding Rosemary Vassiliadis.
- Reid passenger volumes are down 4.4% year-to-date (32.4 million passengers), but officials expect a cyclical recovery.
- Chrisley will join the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at Routes World 2025 in Hong Kong to recruit airlines.
- Japan is a priority target for new nonstop service; Las Vegas had Tokyo routes in the 1990s but hasn’t hosted them for decades.
- MGM is building a casino resort in Osaka, and that investment could help justify direct flights between Japan and Las Vegas.
- Korean Air currently operates the only nonstop Asian service to Las Vegas (Seoul).
- Airport lounges are in high demand: Capital One lounge opened recently; Chase Sapphire and an American Express sidecar lounge are due soon.
- Chrisley’s Air Force logistics and construction experience is being leveraged for upcoming expansion and a planned reliever airport in the Ivanpah Valley.
- Chrisley’s compensation package includes a $290,000 base salary plus allowances and retirement benefits as approved by the Clark County Commission.
Why should I read this?
Short version: Vegas wants Japan flights back — and the new airport boss is already hustling. If you care about tourism, new airline routes, or whether more international visitors (and spending) are coming to town, this is the quick heads-up. Plus, lounges are blowing up — if you fly through Reid, your airport experience is about to change.
Author style
Punchy: This piece matters for anyone tracking Las Vegas tourism and aviation strategy. It flags which international markets are on the county’s radar, previews near-term airport amenities, and signals the priorities of the new director — worth a read if the region’s recovery or new route opportunities affect you.