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Harry Reid International Airport, established in 1943, is nearing its capacity of 63 million annual passengers due to the booming tourism and sports economy in Las Vegas. In response, a new airport will be constructed 23 miles south of the city. James Chrisley, Clark County's Senior Director of Aviation, noted, "Our 2023 record of 57.6 million passengers showcases a growing demand, and as we look to the future with the [Oakland] A's now on the docket, and talk of an NBA team, this transformation to the sports capital of the world is really drawing more demand to our destination and airport system."
The airport, which saw 58.4 million passengers in 2024, is planning expansions to Terminal 1. However, these are temporary solutions to address space constraints. "It feels like anything we add into Vegas gets filled. (...) It's almost this insatiable appetite for people wanting to come and see Vegas," commented Steve Sinseros, Vice President of Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines, to The Nevada Independent.
Known as the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA), the new project dates back to 2000 when land was approved for sale to Clark County for this purpose. Federal legislation allowed for 6,500 acres to be used for the airport, but significant progress is yet to occur. Estimates for construction costs range from $6 billion to $14 billion, and completion is targeted for 2037. There is no official budget or detailed plan, with construction expected to start by 2029.
