The Evolution Of Las Vegas Airport: A Name Change

The Las Vegas airport, previously known as McCarran International Airport, was renamed Harry Reid International Airport in December 2021. The airport, located five miles south of downtown Las Vegas, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s and is one of North America's busiest airports. The name change reflects a broader trend of removing racially or culturally offensive names and symbols. The airport's new moniker honours former US Senator Harry Reid, recognising his significant contributions to the state and the airport's expansion projects.

The airport was renamed in 2021 to Harry Reid International Airport

The airport, previously named McCarran International Airport, had been named after Senator Pat McCarran since 1948 due to his role in shaping early aviation legislation. However, there were calls for a rename due to McCarran's controversial legacy, including criticism for his racist, anti-Semitic, and xenophobic views.

The renaming reflects a broader societal push to remove offensive names and symbols, aiming to celebrate individuals who have positively impacted their communities. The new name, Harry Reid International Airport, acknowledges the efforts of a senator who played a crucial role in securing funding and support for the airport's growth and development.

The process of changing the airport's name is extensive and requires several phases. The first phase involves changing the primary signage around the airport's outdoor areas, while the second phase focuses on renaming throughout the airport, including signage from the curb to the gates. The final phase includes changing business cards, stationery, and concessionaire-related work.

The airport's official code, "LAS," will remain unchanged.

The previous name, McCarran International Airport, was linked to racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia

The previous name of the Las Vegas airport, McCarran International Airport, was linked to racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia.

Senator Pat McCarran, for whom the airport was named, was a Democrat who represented Nevada in the United States Senate from 1933 until his death in 1954. While he played a significant role in shaping aviation legislation, McCarran's legacy was marred by his racist, antisemitic, and xenophobic views and actions.

McCarran actively opposed efforts to aid Jewish refugees and survivors of the Holocaust, reflecting his antisemitism. He imposed restrictive immigration policies that limited their entry into the United States, demonstrating his xenophobic beliefs. Additionally, McCarran's support for Spanish dictator Francisco Franco and his efforts to increase foreign aid to Spain earned him the nickname "Senator from Madrid."

McCarran's racism was evident in his opposition to civil rights and his association with white supremacists and segregationists. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he appointed Senator James Eastland, a known white supremacist and segregationist, as chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Civil Rights.

McCarran's anti-communist stance also influenced his views on immigration. He expressed fears of "undesirables from abroad" and wanted to restrict the entry of those he deemed "godless communists."

In recent years, there have been growing calls to remove McCarran's name from the airport due to his legacy of racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia. As a result, the airport was officially renamed Harry Reid International Airport in December 2021, reflecting a broader trend of removing offensive names and symbols.

The name change was funded by private donations

The Las Vegas airport, previously known as McCarran International Airport, was renamed Harry Reid International Airport in 2021. The name change was funded by private donations, with the Clark County Commission stipulating that no public funds were to be used for the project. The airport had been named after former senator Pat McCarran since 1948, but reports of his legacy of racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism sparked the push for a new name.

The fundraising effort for the name change began with a $1 million donation from businessman and Democratic donor Stephen Cloobeck. Other million-dollar donations came from professional gambler Billy Walters and his wife, Susan, as well as Boyd Gaming Executive Chairman Bill Boyd and his wife, Judy. By October 2021, the airport had collected $4.2 million in private donations, allowing them to begin the process of changing the airport's name. The remainder of the project was estimated to cost an additional $3 million.

The name change occurred in several phases. The first phase involved changing the primary signage around the airport's outdoor areas, including the large monument sign at the airport's main terminal entrance. The second phase included changing the names throughout the airport, from the curb to the gates. The final phase consisted of changing smaller details such as business cards, stationery, and concessionaire-related work.

The process of changing the airport's name was expected to be time-consuming, and as of December 2021, travelers were still expected to see the former airport name in various locations. The original McCarran Field sign at the airport's Las Vegas Boulevard entrance was preserved due to its historical significance.

The airport is one of North America's busiest, with a history dating back to the 1920s

The history of Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (formerly McCarran International Airport) dates back to the 1920s. The airport, located just a few miles from the famous Las Vegas Strip, has become a bustling gateway to the city and the broader Southern Nevada region. With a rich history of evolution and expansion, it has established itself as one of North America's busiest airports.

The first iteration of the airport was built on an airfield known as Anderson Field, which opened in 1920. In the 1940s, the airport, then known as Alamo Airport, was renamed McCarran Field after Senator Pat McCarran, a Democrat from Nevada. Senator McCarran played a significant role in shaping aviation legislation and advocated for the development of commercial aviation. The airport became the primary commercial airport in Las Vegas and underwent various expansions and innovations over the years.

In the 1950s, the growth of the Las Vegas casino industry fuelled a surge in air traffic, with passenger numbers increasing significantly. This led to the construction of a new terminal in the 1960s and further expansion projects to accommodate the growing number of passengers. By the 1970s, the deregulation of the airline industry brought even more carriers to McCarran, prompting officials to accelerate their expansion plans.

The airport continued to thrive and expand in the following decades, introducing new technologies and improving facilities. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, America West Airlines was the busiest airline at McCarran, offering cheap night flights and capitalising on the city's 24-hour entertainment scene. By the late 1990s, Southwest Airlines had overtaken America West as the largest carrier at the airport.

In the 2000s, the airport saw further growth and development, with new airlines moving their headquarters to Las Vegas and expanding their destinations. The construction of Terminal 3 began in 2005, and despite an economic recession, the project was completed in 2012 at a cost of $2.4 billion. This new terminal replaced Terminal 2 and became the largest public works project in Nevada.

In 2021, the airport underwent a significant change as it was officially renamed Harry Reid International Airport. This renaming honoured Harry Reid, Nevada's longest-serving senator, who played a crucial role in expanding the airport and securing funding for aviation infrastructure. The push to rename the airport also reflected a broader societal trend to remove offensive names associated with racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism. Senator Pat McCarran's legacy had come under scrutiny for these reasons.

Today, Harry Reid International Airport continues to be a bustling hub, serving over 30 airlines and welcoming millions of passengers each year. It offers a unique blend of gaming culture, dining, and shopping, providing an unforgettable experience for travellers visiting Las Vegas.

The airport has two terminals and four runways

The Harry Reid International Airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is the main gateway to Las Vegas and the broader Southern Nevada region. The airport is strategically located just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip, making it convenient for travellers eager to experience the city's entertainment and gaming scene.

Harry Reid International Airport has two terminals and four runways. Terminal 1 houses four concourses (A, B, C, and D), while Terminal 3 is designated for international flights and some domestic operations, containing the E concourse. The transition between terminals and concourses is facilitated by an efficient automated tram system and shuttle services, ensuring a smooth passenger experience.

The airport covers 2,800 acres of land and is located five miles south of downtown Las Vegas. It is one of the busiest airports in North America, serving as a gateway to the vibrant energy and hospitality of Las Vegas. The airport's efficient operations and focus on customer service make it a fitting welcome to the excitement and glamour of the city.

The four runways at Harry Reid International Airport are:

• 1L/19R: 8,988 feet by 150 feet
• 1R/19L: 9,771 feet by 150 feet
• 8L/26R: 14,515 feet by 150 feet
• 8R/26L: 10,526 feet by 150 feet

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