Clark County's proposed secondary airport revival is primed for takeoff once more in Las Vegas.
Expansion Plans for Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas
The Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas, which opened its doors in 1943 when Clark County had less than 20,000 residents, is now facing capacity concerns as the city's population has grown to 2.3 million and the airport hosts a record-breaking 58.4 million passengers each year.
To address this issue, the airport is focusing on modernizing and enhancing efficiency within its existing 2,800-acre site. This includes updating Terminal 1, adding customer amenities, and improving operational efficiency to maximize capacity. Additionally, improvements are being made to two multimodal centers to help with ground transportation and parking, reducing congestion around the airport.
A long-term solution for the airport's capacity concerns is the development of a new supplemental airport approximately 30 miles south in Ivanpah Valley. This airport, projected to be operational around 2037, will feature two parallel runways, a central terminal, air traffic control facilities, interstate access improvements, parking, and cargo handling capabilities. The supplemental airport is expected to relieve capacity pressure from Harry Reid International once operational, which is projected for around 2037, several years after Harry Reid reaches full capacity around 2030-2033.
The project is currently in public hearings and environmental review phases, with challenges including environmental concerns due to endangered species habitats and the need for federal funding.
In the interim, efforts are underway to have other airports in the Las Vegas valley ready to take on extra flights, which could help distribute some traffic as demand grows.
The Clark County Department of Aviation anticipates that the annual passenger count could surpass 63 million by 2030, making it crucial for the airport to implement these expansion solutions to accommodate future growth beyond its capacity limits. The opening of the Harry Reid International Airport is widely considered significant for Las Vegas' development as a premier tourism destination, and its continued growth is essential for the city's economy.
References: 1. Review-Journal 2. KSNV News 3 Las Vegas 3. Las Vegas Sun 4. Clark County Department of Aviation 5. Las Vegas Review-Journal
In the development process for the Harry Reid International Airport, plans for a supplemental airport in Ivanpah Valley, approximately 30 miles south from Las Vegas, are underway. This new airport, expected to be operational around 2037, will complement the existing airport in Vegas, known for its casino-and-gambling scene that is rooted in Vegas history.
