LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Clark County aviation leaders have an ambitious plan to modernize Harry Reid International Airport while also moving forward with plans to build a second commercial airport in Southern Nevada.
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Officials say the upgrades are critical as Las Vegas prepares for major events and continued growth.
“The infrastructure itself needs updating; the A and B gates are approaching 50 years old or just eclipsed,” said aviation director James Chrisley.
A presentation before the Clark County Commission on Tuesday outlined a modernization plan to maximize capacity and efficiency at Harry Reid Airport.
Chrisley said the plan also aims to improve reliable connections between the terminal and Las Vegas’ commercial core.
One of the largest projects is focused on Terminal 3. Chrisley said the ticketing floor will be reconfigured to better support airline operations, allowing the airport to add approximately 30 new ticketing counters without expanding the building footprint.
“We’re really trying to separate traffic within the airport from commuter traffic that goes through the very busy Paradise University Center route,” Chrisley said.
Terminal 1 is also scheduled to undergo major redevelopment. Plans include world-class concessions, additional restrooms, larger passenger lounges and state-of-the-art baggage and security systems, all designed with a Las Vegas theme designed to reflect the character of the city.
Transportation improvements are another key part of the plan. New terminal-to-terminal interchanges separate commuter traffic from airport traffic, while single-point urban interchanges are designed to streamline traffic flow and increase safety around the airport.
Clark County officials said one of the biggest challenges facing Harry Reid Airport is congestion caused by one-way Uber and Lyft rides, especially during peak travel times.
Their goal is to provide travelers with more options.
“The last thing they want to do is delays, so they have ways to reconfigure operations to minimize those impacts,” Chrisley said.
Harry Reid Airport could face severe capacity constraints by 2033 if long-term solutions are not in place, according to aviation officials.
The concerns come as Las Vegas prepares to host more major events in the future.
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