Formerly known as McCarran International Airport and renamed in December 2021, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) serves as the principal aviation gateway to Las Vegas, Nevada. This bustling transportation hub connects millions of visitors to the entertainment capital of the world and plays a crucial role in supporting southern Nevada’s tourism-driven economy.
The History of Las Vegas Airport
The story of Las Vegas’s airport begins in 1942 when Clark County purchased a small airfield called Alamo Field from the U.S. Army for $125,000. The county renamed it McCarran Field, honoring U.S. Senator Pat McCarran, a prominent Nevada political figure who advocated for aviation development in the United States.
In the post-World War II era, Las Vegas began its transformation into a tourist destination, and the airport expanded to meet growing demand. The first terminal building opened in 1963, designed to handle 1.5 million passengers annually—a number that would soon be surpassed as Las Vegas’s popularity soared.
The 1970s and 1980s brought major expansion projects, including a second runway and an expanded terminal. By 1985, the airport was handling over 10 million passengers annually, reflecting the explosive growth of the Las Vegas Strip’s megaresorts.
A significant milestone came in June 1998 with the opening of the D Gates, adding 26 gates and revolutionizing the airport’s capacity. Terminal 3, a $2.4 billion expansion project, opened in 2012, adding 14 additional gates, including seven designed for international flights.
In 2021, Nevada’s congressional delegation introduced legislation to rename the airport after longtime Nevada Senator Harry Reid, which was approved by the Clark County Commission. The official name change took effect in December 2021, though the airport’s iconic LAS code remained unchanged.
LAS Quick Facts
- IATA Code: LAS
- ICAO Code: KLAS
- Location: 5 miles south of downtown Las Vegas
- Elevation: 2,181 feet (665 meters) above sea level
- Size: Approximately 2,800 acres
- Runways: Four runways (the longest being 14,515 feet)
- Terminals: Two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 3) with seven concourses (A, B, C, D, E, and satellite concourses)
- Operating Hours: 24/7
- Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8/GMT-7 during Daylight Saving Time)
- Airport Ownership: Clark County Department of Aviation
- Unique Feature: Slot machines throughout the airport (one of the few airports in the world with gaming)
By the Numbers
Harry Reid International Airport consistently ranks among the busiest airports in the United States, with impressive statistics that reflect Las Vegas’s position as a premier tourist destination:
- Annual Passengers: Approximately 52.7 million passengers (2023 data)
- Daily Flight Operations: Around 1,300 flights per day
- International Destinations: Over 30 direct international destinations
- Domestic Destinations: More than 100 direct domestic destinations
- Economic Impact: Generates over $35 billion in economic output for the region
- Employment: Provides approximately 25,000 direct jobs and supports an estimated 185,000 jobs in the region
- Cargo Volume: Handles over 200,000 tons of cargo annually
- Aircraft Movements: Approximately 450,000 takeoffs and landings per year
- Busiest Route: Las Vegas to Los Angeles with over 1.5 million passengers annually
- Peak Travel Period: CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in January and New Year’s Eve, when the airport can handle up to 90,000 arriving passengers in a single day
Terminal Facilities
Harry Reid International Airport offers comprehensive facilities designed to handle massive passenger volumes while providing the Las Vegas flair visitors expect:
Terminal 1 encompasses the A, B, C, and D gates. The A and B gates primarily serve Southwest Airlines, the airport’s largest carrier. The C gates host airlines including Spirit, JetBlue, Frontier, and Allegiant. The D gates, reached via an automated people mover, accommodate multiple domestic carriers.
Terminal 1 features dozens of dining options ranging from quick-service favorites like Shake Shack and Panda Express to sit-down restaurants including Jose Cuervo Tequileria and PGA Tour Grill. Shopping options include Vegas-themed souvenir shops, duty-free outlets, and luxury retailers like Michael Kors and Pandora.
Terminal 3, nicknamed the “E” concourse, handles all international arrivals and serves domestic flights from Delta, United, JetBlue, Hawaiian, and others. This modern terminal features high ceilings, abundant natural light, and public art installations that reflect Nevada’s landscape and culture.
Dining options in Terminal 3 include Vegas outposts of famous restaurants like Sammy’s Beach Bar & Grill (founded by Sammy Hagar) and Vegas Chophouse. Retail options include duty-free shopping, high-end brands, and local specialty stores.
Airport-wide amenities include:
- Over 1,400 slot machines throughout both terminals
- Multiple lounges including the Centurion Lounge (American Express), United Club, and The Club LAS (Priority Pass)
- Free WiFi throughout the facility
- Charging stations at virtually every gate
- Children’s play areas
- Pet relief areas in both terminals
- Aviation museum displays showcasing Las Vegas’s aviation history
- ZeroLevel Fitness Center, a 24-hour gym facility
- Art installations featuring local and international artists
Flight Patterns and Connectivity
Harry Reid International Airport serves as a crucial aviation gateway, connecting Las Vegas to over 130 destinations across the globe. As a focus city rather than a traditional hub, LAS offers remarkable connectivity despite not serving as a primary hub for any single carrier.
Domestic Network Strength The airport’s domestic route network is among the most comprehensive in the United States, with nonstop service to virtually every major metropolitan area. Southwest Airlines dominates operations with approximately 40% of passenger traffic, operating hundreds of daily departures to more than 60 cities. Ultra-low-cost carriers collectively represent about 25% of capacity, helping to maintain competitive fares and accessibility to Las Vegas.
International Reach The international footprint of LAS has expanded dramatically in recent years, with direct service to five continents. Mexico represents the strongest international market, with connections to 12 Mexican destinations including resort areas and major cities. Canadian service links LAS to eight major markets, while European connectivity has grown to include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and seasonal service to several Mediterranean destinations.
Asian connections include Seoul and Tokyo, with routes to growing markets in Latin America and the Caribbean. Charter and seasonal operations further expand the airport’s global reach, particularly during major Las Vegas conventions and events.
Route Development Strategy The airport’s air service development team actively works to expand route offerings, focusing on underserved international markets in South America and Asia. Recent successes include new routes to Brazil and expanded service to South Korea. Airport incentive programs have proven effective in attracting new carriers and routes, with five new international services launched in 2024 alone.
Las Vegas’s unique appeal as both a leisure and business destination creates balanced passenger flows and strong year-round demand, making it an attractive market for airlines exploring new route opportunities. This has positioned LAS as one of the fastest-recovering international gateways following the pandemic travel disruptions.
Ground Transportation
As the gateway to Las Vegas, the airport offers numerous transportation options to get visitors to their final destinations:
Taxis and Ride-sharing:
- Dedicated taxi stands outside both terminals
- Designated ride-sharing pickup zones for Uber and Lyft
- Flat-rate taxi fares to the Strip and downtown Las Vegas
Shuttle Services:
- Hotel shuttles servicing major resorts
- Shared-ride shuttles with door-to-door service
- Charter shuttles for groups
Public Transportation:
- RTC (Regional Transportation Commission) buses connect the airport to the Strip and downtown via Routes 108 and 109
- The Deuce and SDX express buses provide connections to the Las Vegas Strip and downtown Las Vegas from transit centers
Rental Cars:
- Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC) houses all major rental companies
- Dedicated shuttle service running approximately every five minutes
Limousines:
- Authorized limousine companies operate from both terminals
- Pre-arranged service available with reservations
Parking:
- Long-term, short-term, and economy parking options
- Valet parking at Terminal 3
- Cell phone waiting lot for passenger pickup
The Future of Harry Reid International Airport
As Las Vegas continues to evolve, so too does its primary airport. Several major projects are underway or planned to address growing passenger volumes and enhance the traveler experience:
The airport’s current master plan includes significant airfield improvements, including runway extensions and taxiway reconfigurations to accommodate larger aircraft and reduce taxi times. Terminal expansion plans include additional international gates to support Las Vegas’s growing global appeal.
Ground transportation enhancements feature prominently in future plans. The most significant is the potential connection to the Vegas Loop, an underground transportation system being developed by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company. This system would connect the airport directly to the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Strip, and eventually to downtown Las Vegas.
Sustainability initiatives include the expansion of the airport’s solar array, which already ranks among the largest at any U.S. airport. Water conservation projects, EV charging infrastructure, and sustainable building practices are central to future development plans.
Technology upgrades will transform the passenger experience with expanded use of biometric screening, self-bag drop systems, and enhanced security screening processes designed to reduce wait times. The airport is also investing in improved digital wayfinding systems and passenger information displays.
With Las Vegas expected to host Formula 1 races, NCAA championship events, and potentially FIFA World Cup matches in the coming years, Harry Reid International Airport continues to position itself not just as a transportation facility but as an integral part of the Las Vegas experience—the true first and last impression of the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Keyword: TopAirports