Smoke from California wildfires delays flights at Las Vegas airport

Smoke from wildfires in Southern California has drifted into Las Vegas, creating lengthy flight delays, poor air quality and scrubbing outdoor activities, officials said.

The smoke turned the sky gray and obscured views of the Strip. Some flights at Harry Reid International Airport were delayed because of the smoke and other weather conditions, officials said.

An airport spokesperson said the delays were the result of visibility issues.

Flights arriving at Harry Reid were delayed an average of almost three hours, and the maximum delays could reach more than 11 hours, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Flights departing Las Vegas were also facing delays, according to the FlightAware website, which tracks flights.

"Be sure to monitor your flight status with your airline throughout the day," the airport advised via a message on X.

The air quality is considered poor and unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as the elderly or those with asthma or other breathing conditions, officials said.

Clark County and the city of Henderson closed their parks as a result of the smoke. The Clark County School District also canceled outdoor activities.

The smoke can cause eye irritation, chest tightness, difficulty breathing and coughing, the World Health Organization said. Those with heart or lung diseases are more likely to be hospitalized.

Children, the elderly and pregnant women are more susceptible to air pollution-related diseases, the group said.

People who must go outside should consider wearing an N95 or KN95 mask. When inside, keep your doors and windows closed, officials said.

People should reduce the time they spend outside and limit trips to necessities like doctor appointments, officials said. Those who experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or throat irritation, should return indoors, officials said.

Windy conditions are expected today, the weather service said, noting the Barstow, Calif., area will see gusts up to 45 mph. Additionally, strong crosswinds will be possible in the Owens Valley.

That’s pushing pollution from three California fires — the Bridge Fire (34,000 acres), Line Fire (33,000 acres), and Airport Fire (19,000 acres) — into Southern Nevada.