Harry Reid International Airport is poised to undergo a long-overdue transformation as Clark County officials move ahead with a modernization plan for the airport that may soon become a bottleneck for Las Vegas if left unchanged. The pressure was evident during last week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), when tens of thousands of visitors poured into the city, leaving the airport operating at nearly full capacity.
Officials Aim for a 2034 Completion Date
According to a recent Las Vegas Sun report, county aviation leaders have stressed that Harry Reid must urgently expand without disrupting the steady stream of major events that fuel Southern Nevada’s economy. The city’s tourism sector has been steadily recovering since the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a rich schedule that ranges from championship sports to global trade shows.
We want to ensure all the projects we’re designing, aligning, and planning will be able to be executed while we continue to support events and the community’s needs.
James Chrisley, Clark County director of aviation
Harry Reid International handles nearly 65 million passengers annually. However, officials warn that such steady growth could push the airport beyond its practical limits within the next decade. According to projections, the airport may become insufficient for the number of travelers by 2033. The Aviation Department of Clark County thus envisions a multi-billion-dollar modernization effort that will unfold over the next ten years.
While the project is still in the design phase, a timeline is already becoming clear. County officials expect to secure formal approval to proceed by 2028, with construction starting around 2029. An optimistic projection envisions roadway improvements ready by 2030, transit centers by 2033, and the redevelopment of Terminal 1 by 2034.
Connectivity to the Rest of Vegas Remains a Priority
The project primarily focuses on the Terminal 1 overhaul, which would see its gate count expand from 39 to 65. The new layout aims to reduce crowding, shorten walking distances, and improve airline flexibility during peak travel periods. The current Terminal 3 will be renamed to Terminal 2 and upgraded with additional ticketing space, modernized baggage systems, and self-bag-drop technology.
Officials also envision a new elevated flyover roadway to connect the terminals directly and separate airport traffic. Such a change could significantly reduce congestion on surrounding roads while improving safety. Connectivity to Las Vegas will improve via two multimodal transit centers. They will serve as hubs for ride-hailing services, public transit, and employee parking, hopefully reducing the traffic on terminal roadways.
Looking ahead, the county is also considering a supplemental airport south of Las Vegas near Jean and Primm, which will help divert some of the traffic away from Harry Reid International. Local leaders have noted that airport efficiency is closely related to the region’s economy, so removing transportation bottlenecks should lead to long-term growth.
