A Second Airport for Las Vegas: Addressing the Overcrowding at Harry Reid International
Las Vegas is known for its bustling tourism industry, but its primary airport, Harry Reid International, is struggling to keep up with the ever-increasing demand. As one of North America’s busiest airports, Reid is nearly out of space and facing challenges with its landlocked location. In response, officials are reviving plans for a new airport 30 miles from the city, aiming to alleviate congestion and support future growth.
The Overcrowded Harry Reid International Airport
Harry Reid International Airport, established 76 years ago, has become a critical gateway for millions of visitors each year. With four runways and two large terminals housing 110 passenger gates, the airport saw its last major expansion in 2012, with the $2.4 billion Terminal 3. Despite these efforts, Reid’s capacity issues persist. In recent years, the airport has consistently broken passenger records, thanks to Las Vegas’s expanding event calendar and increased international interest.
Airport Director Rosemary Vassiliadis highlighted that the facility’s usage isn’t declining. “We’re going to start getting delays probably by the end of this decade,” she warned. The increased use of higher capacity airplanes has shifted the focus from raw passenger numbers to how quickly planes can be turned around.
Planning for the Ivanpah Airport
The solution lies in a two-pronged approach: maximizing the current airport’s efficiency and developing a new airport in the Ivanpah Valley, 30 miles south of Reid. First envisioned 24 years ago, the Ivanpah project, now called the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, involves the sale of 6,500 acres of federally owned land. This initiative gained momentum last year with Nevada Legislature’s SB19, allowing Clark County to establish a township for the future airport.
The Clark County Commission recently approved a $1 million environmental impact statement to explore the development of a one-terminal, two-runway facility. The new airport is slated for completion in 2037, addressing long-term capacity needs.
Enhancing Reid Airport
While the Ivanpah Airport remains in development, Reid Airport officials are exploring various ways to optimize the existing space. This includes improving runway use and air traffic control procedures, expanding Terminal 1 northward, and better utilizing land on the airport’s northeast side. The aviation department is also commissioning studies on airport operations and the travel habits of locals to enhance efficiency.
The Role of Major Airlines
Air carriers like Southwest Airlines, which accounts for 40% of Reid’s monthly domestic passengers, are key players in these discussions. The airline is considering ways to modernize the dated C Gates, built in 1987. As aircraft become more efficient and carry more passengers, the airport’s capacity challenges are becoming more pronounced. In March, Reid saw 5 million passengers, setting a single-month record of 5.4 million passengers in October.
The Economic Impact of Private Jets
Private jet traffic has also surged, with carriers like JSX and Set Jet expanding their services to Las Vegas. To accommodate this growth, Reid acquired a 30-acre parcel for private jet parking and is planning a $9 million remodel of the Henderson Executive Airport to better serve the corporate jet market. This includes a new terminal exterior, lobby area, and upgraded pilot facilities.
The Need for Immediate Action
Despite the planned Ivanpah Airport, experts argue that immediate actions are needed to address current capacity issues. Las Vegas-based gaming industry consultant Brendan Bussmann emphasized the urgency, stating, “We need to have in place today a vision for 2050 and beyond.”
The cost of the Ivanpah Airport is yet to be determined, but comparisons to Denver International, which cost over $4.8 billion, suggest significant investment. Building the new airport will likely be the largest public works project in Nevada’s history, with estimated construction costs ranging from $6 billion to $14 billion.
Moving Forward
The aviation department continues to evaluate how to connect Reid and Ivanpah, with options including a proposed $12 billion Brightline West passenger rail system linking Las Vegas with Southern California. Meanwhile, officials are focused on maximizing Reid’s footprint to enhance capacity and efficiency.
As Las Vegas continues to grow as a premier tourist destination, the development of the Ivanpah Airport and improvements at Reid are crucial to supporting future demand and maintaining the city’s economic vitality.
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