© 2021 Clark County Department of Aviation, All Rights Reserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated
10/25
/2021
 

Since the need for this additional facility is driven by visitors and Las Vegas has seen a decline in airport travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, why should it continue at this time? Will the FAA move forward with an EIS if air travel is still down over the next year (as a result of COVID-19 restrictions)?
The “need” for the project is not predicated on short-term demand nor is it affected by short-term fluctuations in demand; rather it is based on the long-term needs of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Updating the planning, completing the EIS, preparing design work, and constructing the project will take many years, thus, it is necessary to continue planning now to have the additional capacity in place when aviation activity at Harry Reid reaches levels that cause a decline in passenger experience and satisfaction. The updated forecasts for the Las Vegas metropolitan region will take the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation activity into account.

What will the name of the new airport be?
At this time, CCDOA has not selected a name for the new airport.

Who will use the airport? Is if for passengers? Is it for cargo?
The new airport would accommodate both passengers and cargo.

Will the solar farm in the area be an issue for pilots?
The FAA will study the potential glare impacts to pilots from the solar farms.

I’m an off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiast and I regularly use that area for off road vehicle activities. Will I still have access?
Portions of the proposed airport site will be restricted to OHV uses but other portions may remain accessible. Potential impacts to OHV use will be evaluated and disclosed in the EIS.

How will the existing Jean Airport be impacted? Will I still be able to use this or is it being shut down?
The impacts SNSA would have on Jean Airport have not currently been determined but are part of the SNSA Planning – Phase 1 Study.

Is this related to the Metroplex Program by the FAA? If so, how?
No, the Metroplex Program is a separate process that identified ways to modernize and better use the existing Las Vegas metropolitan region airspace. While the FAA has been protecting the airspace around the proposed airport site, the Metroplex Program did not assume aircraft operations would be occurring at the proposed airport. The SNSA Planning – Phase 1 Study will be evaluating how the proposed airport would operate within the Las Vegas metropolitan region airspace.

What is the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA)?
SNSA is being proposed as a new commercial airport to supplement Harry Reid International Airport (Harry Reid), which will be constructed and operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA). SNSA would be constructed on a 6,000-acre site located in the Ivanpah Valley, south of Jean, Nevada and north of Primm, Nevada along the east side of Interstate-15 (I-15) and approximately 30 miles south of Harry Reid. An additional 17,000 acres would be acquired by CCDOA for airport compatibility purposes.

Why is a new airport needed?
Harry Reid is nearing capacity on many critical components, including the airfield and terminal infrastructure, with little to no ability to increase capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the planning for SNSA to ensure there is adequate airport capacity in the Las Vegas region to accommodate anticipated future demand.

Will the SNSA replace Harry Reid? 
No, the new airport will supplement Harry Reid, which will continue to operate. The CCDOA will continue to maximize the facilities and investment at Harry Reid International Airport to the extent possible, while providing a high level of service to its passengers.

What is the status of the project?
Revalidating the planning studies and preliminary engineering completed in the 2005 – 2010 timeframe is a necessary predicate to starting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided the CCDOA with a list of items to be addressed before the FAA will issue a Notice to Proceed on the EIS.

What is the SNSA Planning Phase I Study?
The SNSA Planning - Phase I Study includes all of the planning analyses necessary to ensure that the FAA and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have sufficient detail to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed airport in an EIS. These analyses include updated aviation forecasts, determining the airport and ground transportation infrastructure needed for the opening years of the airport, a construction implementation plan, evaluating the airspace to ensure that the proposed airport can safely operate with all of the other Las Vegas area airports, and a financial plan.

Why would the funds going towards the SNSA Planning not be better spent on Harry Reid projects?

Studies conducted over the last 20 years have consistently concluded that Harry Reid cannot be expanded to accommodate long-term demand for commercial service to the Las Vegas metropolitan area and a new, supplemental airport is required.

Discontinuing the planning for SNSA would preclude options for increased air service to the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which could lead to economic constraints to the region. Once Harry Reid reaches capacity, aviation growth will be constrained unless there is another airport available to offer supplemental capacity.

The CCDOA has continued and will continue to maintain and update facilities at Harry Reid as needed to provide the best service for airport customers.

© 2021 Clark County Department of Aviation, All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions

Download Factsheet

Descargar Hoja De Hechos

Since the need for this additional facility is driven by visitors and Las Vegas has seen a decline in airport travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, why should it continue at this time? Will the FAA move forward with an EIS if air travel is still down over the next year (as a result of COVID-19 restrictions)?
The “need” for the project is not predicated on short-term demand nor is it affected by short-term fluctuations in demand; rather it is based on the long-term needs of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Updating the planning, completing the EIS, preparing design work, and constructing the project will take many years, thus, it is necessary to continue planning now to have the additional capacity in place when aviation activity at Harry Reid reaches levels that cause a decline in passenger experience and satisfaction. The updated forecasts for the Las Vegas metropolitan region will take the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation activity into account.

What will the name of the new airport be?
At this time, CCDOA has not selected a name for the new airport.

Who will use the airport? Is if for passengers? Is it for cargo?
The new airport would accommodate both passengers and cargo.

Will the solar farm in the area be an issue for pilots?
The FAA will study the potential glare impacts to pilots from the solar farms.

I’m an off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiast and I regularly use that area for off road vehicle activities. Will I still have access?
Portions of the proposed airport site will be restricted to OHV uses but other portions may remain accessible. Potential impacts to OHV use will be evaluated and disclosed in the EIS.

How will the existing Jean Airport be impacted? Will I still be able to use this or is it being shut down?
The impacts SNSA would have on Jean Airport have not currently been determined but are part of the SNSA Planning – Phase 1 Study.

Is this related to the Metroplex Program by the FAA? If so, how?
No, the Metroplex Program is a separate process that identified ways to modernize and better use the existing Las Vegas metropolitan region airspace. While the FAA has been protecting the airspace around the proposed airport site, the Metroplex Program did not assume aircraft operations would be occurring at the proposed airport. The SNSA Planning – Phase 1 Study will be evaluating how the proposed airport would operate within the Las Vegas metropolitan region airspace.

What is the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA)?
SNSA is being proposed as a new commercial airport to supplement Harry Reid International Airport (Harry Reid), which will be constructed and operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA). SNSA would be constructed on a 6,000-acre site located in the Ivanpah Valley, south of Jean, Nevada and north of Primm, Nevada along the east side of Interstate-15 (I-15) and approximately 30 miles south of Harry Reid. An additional 17,000 acres would be acquired by CCDOA for airport compatibility purposes.

Why is a new airport needed?
Harry Reid is nearing capacity on many critical components, including the airfield and terminal infrastructure, with little to no ability to increase capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the planning for SNSA to ensure there is adequate airport capacity in the Las Vegas region to accommodate anticipated future demand.

Will the SNSA replace Harry Reid?
No, the new airport will supplement Harry Reid, which will continue to operate. The CCDOA will continue to maximize the facilities and investment at Harry Reid to the extent possible, while providing a high level of service to its passengers.

What is the status of the project?
Revalidating the planning studies and preliminary engineering completed in the 2005 – 2010 timeframe is a necessary predicate to starting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided the CCDOA with a list of items to be addressed before the FAA will issue a Notice to Proceed on the EIS.

What is the SNSA Planning Phase I Study?
The SNSA Planning - Phase I Study includes all of the planning analyses necessary to ensure that the FAA and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have sufficient detail to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed airport in an EIS. These analyses include updated aviation forecasts, determining the airport and ground transportation infrastructure needed for the opening years of the airport, a construction implementation plan, evaluating the airspace to ensure that the proposed airport can safely operate with all of the other Las Vegas area airports, and a financial plan.

Why would the funds going towards the SNSA Planning not be better spent on Harry Reid    projects?

Studies conducted over the last 20 years have consistently concluded that Harry Reid cannot be expanded to accommodate long-term demand for commercial service to the Las Vegas metropolitan area and a new, supplemental airport is required.

Discontinuing the planning for SNSA would preclude options for increased air service to the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which could lead to economic constraints to the region. Once Harry Reid reaches capacity, aviation growth will be constrained unless there is another airport available to offer supplemental capacity.

The CCDOA has continued and will continue to maintain and update facilities at Harry Reid as needed to provide the best service for airport customers.

Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
10/25
/2021
 
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
10/25
/2021
 

© 2021 Clark County Department of Aviation, All Rights Reserved.

What is the Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport (SNSA)?
SNSA is being proposed as a new commercial airport to supplement Harry Reid International Airport (Harry Reid), which will be constructed and operated by the Clark County Department of Aviation (CCDOA). SNSA would be constructed on a 6,000-acre site located in the Ivanpah Valley, south of Jean, Nevada and north of Primm, Nevada along the east side of Interstate-15 (I-15) and approximately 30 miles south of Harry Reid. An additional 17,000 acres would be acquired by CCDOA for airport compatibility purposes.

Why is a new airport needed?
Harry Reid is nearing capacity on many critical components, including the airfield and terminal infrastructure, with little to no ability to increase capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to continue the planning for SNSA to ensure there is adequate airport capacity in the Las Vegas region to accommodate anticipated future demand.

Will the SNSA replace Harry Reid?
No, the new airport will supplement Harry Reid, which will continue to operate. The CCDOA will continue to maximize the facilities and investment at Harry Reid International Airport to the extent possible, while providing a high level of service to its passengers.

What is the status of the project?
Revalidating the planning studies and preliminary engineering completed in the 2005 – 2010 timeframe is a necessary predicate to starting the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided the CCDOA with a list of items to be addressed before the FAA will issue a Notice to Proceed on the EIS.

What is the SNSA Planning Phase I Study?
The SNSA Planning - Phase I Study includes all of the planning analyses necessary to ensure that the FAA and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have sufficient detail to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed airport in an EIS. These analyses include updated aviation forecasts, determining the airport and ground transportation infrastructure needed for the opening years of the airport, a construction implementation plan, evaluating the airspace to ensure that the proposed airport can safely operate with all of the other Las Vegas area airports, and a financial plan.

Why would the funds going towards the SNSA Planning not be better spent on Harry Reid projects?

Studies conducted over the last 20 years have consistently concluded that Harry Reid cannot be expanded to accommodate long-term demand for commercial service to the Las Vegas metropolitan area and a new, supplemental airport is required.

Discontinuing the planning for SNSA would preclude options for increased air service to the Las Vegas metropolitan area, which could lead to economic constraints to the region. Once Harry Reid reaches capacity, aviation growth will be constrained unless there is another airport available to offer supplemental capacity.

The CCDOA has continued and will continue to maintain and update facilities at Harry Reid as needed to provide the best service for airport customers.

Since the need for this additional facility is driven by visitors and Las Vegas has seen a decline in airport travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, why should it continue at this time? Will the FAA move forward with an EIS if air travel is still down over the next year (as a result of COVID-19 restrictions)?
The “need” for the project is not predicated on short-term demand nor is it affected by short-term fluctuations in demand; rather it is based on the long-term needs of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Updating the planning, completing the EIS, preparing design work, and constructing the project will take many years, thus, it is necessary to continue planning now to have the additional capacity in place when aviation activity at Harry Reid  reaches levels that cause a decline in passenger experience and satisfaction. The updated forecasts for the Las Vegas metropolitan region will take the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation activity into account.

What will the name of the new airport be?
At this time, CCDOA has not selected a name for the new airport.

Who will use the airport? Is if for passengers? Is it for cargo?
The new airport would accommodate both passengers and cargo.

Will the solar farm in the area be an issue for pilots?
The FAA will study the potential glare impacts to pilots from the solar farms.

I’m an off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiast and I regularly use that area for off road vehicle activities. Will I still have access?
Portions of the proposed airport site will be restricted to OHV uses but other portions may remain accessible. Potential impacts to OHV use will be evaluated and disclosed in the EIS.

How will the existing Jean Airport be impacted? Will I still be able to use this or is it being shut down?
The impacts SNSA would have on Jean Airport have not currently been determined but are part of the SNSA Planning – Phase 1 Study.

Is this related to the Metroplex Program by the FAA? If so, how?
No, the Metroplex Program is a separate process that identified ways to modernize and better use the existing Las Vegas metropolitan region airspace. While the FAA has been protecting the airspace around the proposed airport site, the Metroplex Program did not assume aircraft operations would be occurring at the proposed airport. The SNSA Planning – Phase 1 Study will be evaluating how the proposed airport would operate within the Las Vegas metropolitan region airspace.