Four carriers resume overseas services to the city in 2021
On Monday, November 8, the same day policies for international air travelers changed, Virgin Atlantic Airways returned to Las Vegas. The updated policy allows more vaccinated overseas visitors to enter the United States.
It has been about 20 months since the last transoceanic flight carrying tourists landed in the city. International guests coming back to the Sports and Entertainment Capitol World were greeted by showgirls on the ramp as well as multilingual marquees on the Strip.
In 2019, Las Vegas welcomed 5.7 million international travelers. This policy change related to travel gives the town an opportunity to further recover from the aftermath of the economic lapse in 2020.
Virgin Atlantic Airways
In true Vegas fashion, showgirls wore dazzling red feathers with sparkling stars on their headdresses. Their face masks were adorned with matching rhinestones. The glamorous performers charmed guests as they welcomed them back to the City of Lights.
Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Conventions and Visitor Authority, described this as a “watershed moment for Las Vegas as International borders open up and we welcome overseas visitors back” in a statement.
“The return of Intercontinental air travel is the next critical step forward in our industry’s recovery from the impacts of COVID-19,” said Rosemary Vassilliadis, Clark County Director of Aviation, in a statement. “In the years leading up to 2020, LAS experienced unprecedented international growth in terms of travelers as well as unique routes. We look forward to once again make it easier than ever to welcome the world to our iconic city.”
The Four Carriers resuming overseas operations to Las Vegas in 2021:
- Virgin Atlantic Airways from London Heathrow began on November 8.
- British Airways nonstop from London Heathrow beginning November 15.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines nonstop from Amsterdam beginning on December 7
- Copa Airlines nonstop from Panama City beginning on December 7
Regular nonstop service from Mexico resumed in July 2020:
- AeroMexico from Mexico City
- JetBlue from Cancun
- Viva Aerobus from Monterrey and Mexico City
- Volaris from Guadalajara and Mexico City
Regular nonstop from Canada resumed earlier this year. Current routes are:
- Air Canada from Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary
- Flair Airlines from Toronto
- Swoop from Edmonton
- WestJet from Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver
Multilingual Marquees
Bold and bright multilingual marquees beamed on the Strip warmly welcoming our overseas guests. The neon wonderland gleamed with colorful signage. Governor Sisolak expressed his excitement in a statement.
“I am thrilled to welcome international visitors back to our great state and to the fabulous Las Vegas. We know you’ve missed traveling just as much as we missed welcoming you–and I’m thrilled that Las Vegas was at the top of your list,” said Governor Sisolak. “Las Vegas is constantly evolving. Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, you’ll always find something new and something exciting to experience. Welcome to Las Vegas and enjoy your experience!”
As the holiday season approaches, there are several events to look forward to for domestic and international tourists alike.
Upcoming Events
Conventions, entertainment, sports and seasonal spectacles are all under way in the city. The calendar of events is constantly growing and developing new and exciting events for visitors to enjoy. Here’s a list of upcoming activities worth exploring for your next night out.
Latin GRAMMY Awards is back again at the MGM Grand Garden Arena at MGM Hotel and Casino on November 18
All-star lineup of residences including Sting and Usher at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace; Carrie Underwood and Katy Perry at the Theatre inside Resorts World Las Vegas; Journey at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas; Shania Twain at Zappos Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood; Earth, Wind & Fire at The Venetian Theater inside The Venetian Resort; Carlos Santana and David Lee Roth at House of Blues at Mandalay Bay; Bryan Adams at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas; and Wayne Newton at Bugsy’s Cabaret inside The Flamingo Las Vegas
Conventions scheduled: IMEX America ( Nov. 9-11), DEMA show (Nov, 16-19) and CES ( Jan. 5-8)
Arena events: The Mint 400 (Nov.30-Dec.5), Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (Dec. 2-11), Pac-12 Football Championship (Dec. 3), Las Vegas Bowl (Dec. 30), plus Las Vegas Raiders and Vegas Golden Knights games.
New Year performances by: Bruno Mars, Usher, Katy Perry, The Go-Go’s, David Lee Roth, Lizzo, Maroon 5, Kristin Chenoweth and DJ sets by Stevie Aioki, The Chainsmokers, Zedd, Lil John, Black Coffee and Fisher.
Welcome back!
