Clark County commissioners have given the green light to a plan to expand and modernize Harry Reid International Airport, the seventh-busiest airport in North America. The project, which is still in the planning stages and has no determined budget yet, aims to increase the number of gates at the airport’s oldest terminal, enhance passenger access at Terminal 3, and introduce new parking areas and transportation facilities to reduce congestion and delays.
The proposed expansion is part of a multi-phase project that could take up to four years to complete. The goal is to maximize the existing footprint of the landlocked airport while a new Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport is being developed in the Ivanpah Valley. This new airport, located north of Primm and 30 miles south of Reid, is expected to be completed by 2037.
Harry Reid International Airport has experienced record-breaking passenger numbers in recent years, with 57.6 million passengers passing through its gates in the previous year. The airport has seen consistent growth in passenger traffic, with numbers up by almost 3 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year. To accommodate this increasing demand, the airport authorities are looking to expand and upgrade its facilities.
The proposed expansion plans include increasing the number of gates at Terminal 1 from 39 to 65, redesigning the A and B gates, and adding a new wing with additional gates on the site of the former Terminal 2. The new gates are expected to be the initial focus of the project, with the existing concourses at Terminal 1 being demolished in phases to make way for new terminals designed to increase capacity and improve passenger experience.
In addition to adding new gates, the expansion plans also include upgrades to passenger facilities, wayfinding signage, and technology to enhance the overall airport experience. The airport authorities are also looking to improve access for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, as well as public transportation options. Plans for new multimodal centers and revised ground transportation routes aim to improve connectivity between terminals and reduce congestion on airport roads.
The expansion project will be funded through user fees, revenue from airport concessions, and slot machines, with the possibility of taking out bonds to cover the costs. The airport officials are working closely with airline companies and other stakeholders to finalize the project details and secure the necessary approvals before construction can begin. The ultimate goal is to create a more efficient and passenger-friendly airport that can meet the growing demand for air travel in the region.