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Harry Reid International Airport

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Harry Reid International Airport
NameHarry Reid International Airport
IATALAS
ICAOKLAS
FAALAS
OwnerClark County
OperatorClark County Department of Aviation
City-servedLas Vegas Valley
LocationParadise and Winchester, Nevada
Elevation-f2,181
Elevation-m665
Coordinates36, 04, 49, N...
Websitehttps://www.harryreidairport.com/
R1-number1L/19R
R1-length-m2,740
R1-length-f8,988
R1-surfaceAsphalt
R2-number1R/19L
R2-length-m3,002
R2-length-f9,849
R2-surfaceAsphalt
R3-number7L/25R
R3-length-m4,425
R3-length-f14,512
R3-surfaceAsphalt
R4-number7R/25L
R4-length-m3,209
R4-length-f10,526
R4-surfaceAsphalt

Harry Reid International Airport is the primary commercial airport serving the Las Vegas Valley in the U.S. state of Nevada. Located in the Paradise and Winchester unincorporated townships about 5 miles (8 km) south of Downtown Las Vegas, it is a major gateway for tourists visiting the Las Vegas Strip and the broader Mojave Desert region. The facility is owned by Clark County and operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation, functioning as a critical hub for both domestic and international air travel.

History

The airport began operations in 1942 as McCarran Field, named for U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, a key figure in early aviation law. Initial service was provided by carriers like Western Airlines and Bonanza Air Lines, supporting the post-World War II growth of Las Vegas. A landmark terminal designed by the Welton Becket architectural firm opened in 1963, coinciding with the rise of the Howard Hughes empire and the Jet Age. The airport was renamed in 2021 to honor Harry Reid, the former Senate Majority Leader and long-serving Senator from Nevada, reflecting his substantial impact on the state's development.

Facilities

The airport's central feature is the 1.9-million-square-foot Terminal 3, which opened in 2012 to accommodate international growth and carriers like Virgin Atlantic and Condor. The older Terminal 1 houses three concourses and is connected via an automated people mover system. Cargo operations are supported by facilities for FedEx Express and UPS Airlines, while fixed-base operators like Atlantic Aviation serve general aviation. Notable art installations include the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum and large-scale works commissioned through the Clark County Public Art program.

Airlines and destinations

As a focus city for Southwest Airlines and Allegiant Air, the airport offers extensive domestic service to cities like Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago. Major network carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines maintain significant operations, with Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines providing ultra-low-cost service. International routes are served by airlines including British Airways to London–Heathrow, Air Canada to Toronto, and Korean Air to Seoul–Incheon, alongside seasonal charter services.

Statistics

In 2023, it ranked among the top ten busiest airports in the United States by passenger count, handling over 50 million travelers. It consistently ranks as one of the world's busiest origin and destination airports, with a high volume of leisure traffic bound for casino resorts. Southwest Airlines typically carries the largest share of passengers, followed by Spirit Airlines and Allegiant Air. Cargo operations, led by FedEx Express, handle several hundred thousand tons annually, supporting the regional economy.

Accidents and incidents

A significant accident occurred in 1945 when a Douglas DC-3 operated by Western Airlines crashed near the field. In 1964, a Bonanza Air Lines Fairchild F-27 experienced a fatal crash during approach, leading to National Transportation Safety Board investigations and changes in procedures. A notable incident in 2015 involved a British Airways Boeing 777 that sustained damage from a severe wind shear event on final approach, though it landed safely. These events have contributed to ongoing enhancements in air traffic control and aviation safety protocols.

Ground transportation

The airport is directly accessible from Interstate 215 and Las Vegas Boulevard. Public transit is provided by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada via several bus routes connecting to the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. Numerous rental car companies operate a consolidated facility connected by shuttle, while taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft use designated pickup areas. Private shuttle services also offer direct connections to major hotels and resorts along the Las Vegas Strip.

Category:Airports in Nevada Category:Transportation in Clark County, Nevada Category:1942 establishments in Nevada