Harry Reid International Airport expansion, plans for second airport move forward

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Plans for the future of air travel in Southern Nevada are taking shape.

On Tuesday, Clark County Aviation Department leaders presented plans to the Clark County Board of Commissioners to meet growing demand for air travel to Las Vegas.

“Air travel now brings more visitors to our destination than any other mode of transportation,” said Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County Aviation Director.

The plans call for expanding Harry Reid International Airport and adding a second airport about 30 miles away. While the new additional airport is still years away, upgrades at Harry Reid International Airport will occur much more quickly. This includes the expansion of Terminal One compared to the old Terminal Two locations.

The expansion would nearly double the number of gates through a more efficient pier design, meaning more space for passengers. A new central warehouse will also be built to support the expansion.

“Goodbye Terminal 3,” the plan calls for expanding Las Vegas Airport and renaming the existing terminal

For drivers, a redesigned roadway will separate airport traffic from through traffic.

Before these improvements can be implemented, the plan will be presented to those who finance it through airport user fees, such as airlines.

“We will introduce ourselves to our tenants and everyone who operates from the airport, get their feedback and then incorporate it and go straight to design,” Vassiliadis said.

The work will be carried out gradually starting next year.

Harry Reid International Airport's capacity has expanded to more than 65 million passengers per year. Last year a record of 57.6 million was set.

The foundation stone for the second airport is expected to be laid in 2029 and open in 2037. It will include new runways, terminal buildings and a connection to Harry Reid. The additional airport will increase usable airspace in southern Nevada.

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