Harry Reid Airport: Understanding Mccarran Airport's Name Change

is mccarran airport harry reid airport

Harry Reid International Airport (IATA: LAS), formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is the main gateway to Las Vegas and the broader Southern Nevada region. The airport was officially renamed in December 2021 to honour former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who represented Nevada in the Senate for three decades. Reid is served by over 30 airlines and is an operating base for Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.

Characteristics Values
Former name McCarran International Airport
Current name Harry Reid International Airport
IATA LAS
ICAO KLAS
FAA LID LAS
Location 5 miles (8 km) south of downtown Las Vegas
Area 2,800 acres (11 km2)
Owner Clark County
Operator Clark County's department of aviation
Terminals 2
Gates 110
Runways 4
Airlines 30+
Operating base for Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines
Dominant carrier Southwest Airlines
Yearly passengers 57.6 million (2023)
International flights Asia, Europe, North America, and South America

shunhotel

The airport was renamed in 2021 to honour former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

Harry Reid was a longtime senator and senate majority leader from Nevada, serving in the U.S. Senate for 30 years. He represented Nevada in the Senate for three decades and was the longest-serving senator in Nevada history when he retired in 2017. Reid had a strong connection to the airport, stating that "for my whole life I've been coming and going from McCarran Airport, since the first time I ever got on a plane, back in 1958. This airport has been my gateway to the world."

The Clark County Commission voted unanimously to rename the airport in February 2021, and the official renaming ceremony took place on December 14, 2021. The new branding for the airport, now known as Harry Reid International Airport, was unveiled during the ceremony, and digital signage and social media accounts were updated to reflect the change. The airport is owned by Clark County and operated by the county's department of aviation.

Harry Reid International Airport is located five miles south of downtown Las Vegas and covers 2,800 acres of land. It has four runways and two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, with a total of 110 gates. Terminal 3, added in 2012, handles international arrivals and has a tunnel connecting it to the customs facility. The airport is served by over 30 airlines and is a base for several low-cost carriers. It is strategically located just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip, making it a convenient gateway to the city for travellers.

shunhotel

McCarran International Airport was previously named after Senator Pat McCarran

The airport now known as Harry Reid International Airport was previously named McCarran International Airport. The airport was officially renamed in December 2021, honouring former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who represented Nevada in the Senate for three decades.

McCarran International Airport was named after late aviation advocate and Senator Pat McCarran, who has since been criticised for racist and antisemitic remarks. The Clark County Commission voted unanimously to rename the airport, with Commissioner Tick Segerblom leading the push to do so. Segerblom had previously attempted to get the name change started during his time as a state senator.

Harry Reid's son, Rory Reid, said that tying his father's name to one of Las Vegas' main sources of tourism made a lot of sense, given their humble beginnings. Reid himself said that it was a great honour to have his name on the airport, as it had long been synonymous with home for him.

The airport, located in Paradise, just five miles south of downtown Las Vegas, first opened in January 1943 as Alamo Field, catering to general aviation. In December 1948, it was renamed McCarran International Airport, and commercial airlines shifted to it from the Las Vegas Army Airfield.

Today, Harry Reid International Airport is one of the ten busiest airports in the US, serving as the main gateway to Las Vegas and the broader Southern Nevada region. It is strategically situated just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip, making it convenient for travellers eager to experience the city's entertainment and gaming scene.

shunhotel

Pat McCarran was criticised for anti-Semitism and racism

Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas was formerly known as McCarran International Airport, named after Pat McCarran, a former US senator from Nevada.

In addition to anti-Semitism, McCarran was accused of racism and xenophobia. In January 2017, a poll of Nevada legislators indicated support for removing McCarran's statue, and a bill was introduced in the Nevada State Senate to remove the statue and rename the airport for former US Senator Harry Reid. However, the bill failed to pass before the end of the 2017 legislative session.

McCarran was born in 1876 in Reno, Nevada, to Irish immigrant parents. He attended the University of Nevada but left to work on his family's sheep ranch. He studied law and became a district attorney before serving as a justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada. He represented Nevada in the US Senate from 1933 until his death in 1954. McCarran was known for his support of the aviation industry, workers' rights, and bringing businesses and industries to southern Nevada. He lobbied for the construction of the Nellis Air Force Base and helped secure federal funds for Nevada.

Athens Airport: Where to Find Fine Wines

You may want to see also

shunhotel

Harry Reid International Airport is one of the 10 busiest airports in the US

Harry Reid International Airport (IATA: LAS), formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Located just five miles (8 km) south of downtown Las Vegas, the airport is a gateway to the famous Las Vegas Strip, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, and other national parks. In 2024, the airport saw a record-breaking 58.4 million passengers, the highest in its history.

Reid International is served by over 30 airlines and is a base for Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, JSX, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport has two terminals with five gate areas (concourses) all connected by a people mover system. Terminal 1 houses four concourses (A, B, C, and D), while Terminal 3 handles international arrivals and some domestic operations, including the E concourse. The airport has a total of 110 gates, with seven gates in Concourse D equipped to receive international flights.

The efficient operations and focus on customer service at Harry Reid International Airport make it a fitting gateway to the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas. The airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, and dedicated facilities for families and pets. It is also one of only two airports in the United States with slot machines inside the terminals. Additionally, the airport has a variety of dining and shopping options, catering to every need and preference.

Harry Reid International Airport is easily accessible by road, with the Harry Reid Airport Connector providing a direct link from the Las Vegas Beltway. The airport also has abundant parking options, with both short-term and long-term parking available. Shuttle buses operate between the terminals and the rental car center, located about three miles from the terminals.

In terms of rankings, the Airports Council International listed Reid International as the 8th busiest airport in the United States and 19th in the world by passenger volume in 2023. The airport also maintained its 5th-place ranking in aircraft movements, with 611,806 landings and takeoffs in 2023, a 10.6% increase over 2019. These numbers showcase the significant role of Harry Reid International Airport in the US aviation industry.

shunhotel

The airport is located 5 miles (8 km) south of downtown Las Vegas

Harry Reid International Airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is located 5 miles (8 km) south of downtown Las Vegas. The airport is named after the late U.S. congressman and senator from Nevada, Harry Reid. It is strategically situated just a few miles from the Las Vegas Strip, making it convenient for travellers eager to experience the city's entertainment and gaming scene. The airport is accessible via Paradise Road and Russell Road from the north and via the Harry Reid Airport Connector from the south.

Harry Reid International Airport is a bustling gateway to Las Vegas and the broader Southern Nevada region. It is known for its efficient operations and focus on customer service, ensuring a smooth travel experience for its millions of visitors each year. The airport features a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as complimentary WiFi, charging stations, and dedicated facilities for families and pets.

The airport covers 2,800 acres (11 km2) of land and has four runways and two terminals with several gate areas, all connected by a people mover system. Terminal 1 houses Concourses A, B, and C, while Terminal 3 handles international arrivals and contains the E concourse. Transitioning between terminals and concourses is made easy with an automated tram system and shuttle services.

Harry Reid International Airport is served by over 30 airlines and is an operating base for several carriers. It offers international flights to cities in Asia, Europe, and North America. The airport is also one of two airports in the United States with slot machines inside the terminals, reflecting the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas.

Frequently asked questions

The previous name of the Harry Reid International Airport was McCarran International Airport.

The airport was renamed on December 14, 2021.

The airport was renamed to honor former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who represented Nevada in the Senate for three decades.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment