Nevada airport named third best in the country, but ranked low in global

AirHelp’s annual global airport ranking, released June 9, 2026, placed Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas as the third-best in the U.S., behind Portland International and Salt Lake City International. The airport scored 7.88 out of 10 overall, with top marks in passenger experience (8.3) and facilities (8.1), though its on-time performance rated 7.7. Globally, Harry Reid ranked 49th, reflecting broader challenges for U.S. airports. AirHelp’s methodology assessed on-time flights (60% of the score), passenger surveys on staff and amenities (20% each), and operational data from May 2025 to April 2026. The 43-day government shutdown in late 2025 and a 76-day Homeland Security shutdown in early 2026 disrupted air traffic, forcing major U.S. airports to cut flights by up to 10%. The disruptions sparked calls to privatize airport security, including support from President Donald Trump, as private contractors would remain operational during shutdowns. AirHelp spokesperson Nicole Velez linked the low global rankings to these delays, noting that U.S. airports struggled with air traffic controller shortages and reduced capacity. The top 10 U.S. airports included Portland (No. 1), Salt Lake City (No. 2), and Las Vegas (No. 3), followed by San Antonio, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Nashville, Honolulu, Phoenix, and Baltimore/Washington. Tocumen International Airport in Panama City topped the global list, highlighting international airports’ resilience amid U.S. operational challenges.