Second Las Vegas Airport Getting Ready For Takeoff
When you fly into Chicago, you are left with an option. Are you going to fly to the smaller Midway about 11 miles southwest of downtown Chicago? Or will you fly into the larger O’Hare 18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Well in about 13 years, the same will be true when a second Las Vegas airport is built. But the difference in distance will be way way further.
Second Las Vegas Airport More Like Primm International
Harry Reid International Airport is bursting at the seams. Last year, the airport welcomed over 57 million travelers either to visit Las Vegas or connect to their final destination. For those connecting, it doesn’t quite matter where they land. For those who are looking to take in all that the city has to offer (or, you know, go home from visiting elsewhere) it matters quite a bit.
Both Harry Reid and the second Las Vegas airport will be bordering Las Vegas Boulevard. But the difference in distance to the Strip will be stark.
The drive from Terminal 1 pick up to MGM Grand is a mere 3 mile drive. Not too shabby. But the drive from the proposed second Las Vegas airport to MGM Grand? Let’s just say your taxi won’t have to long haul you. The drive would be roughly 32 miles. Yikes.
Believe It Or Not This Is The Best Option
Of course, your brain will immediately ask “why not build it closer.” Well it is more complicated than you think. Existing flight lines for Harry Reid International Airport, Henderson Executive Airport and North Las Vegas Airport are tough enough. Then add Nellis Air Force Base into the mix, and anything within the valley is out of the question.
The new airport is expected to feature two runways and one terminal. Certainly enough to take the burden off LAS, but we can’t get our minds around how visitors will accept this without a major discount to their flight.
With the airport just north of state line, expect to see more development – both residential and industrial – between the Las Vegas valley and Primm.