Las Vegas’ secondary airport is gearing up for a major transformation. The Clark County Department of Aviation has started a comprehensive master plan update for North Las Vegas Airport (VGT), marking the first such planning effort since 1988. The development roadmap will guide modernization of the facility’s current layout of two parallel runways and a cross runway, with potential plans for a longer and wider primary runway with increased separation.
The master planning process comes at a pivotal time for the airport, which supports 919 jobs and generates an annual payroll of $39.1 million, according to a 2019 economic impact study. As one of five airports operated by Clark County alongside the main Harry Reid International Airport, VGT plays a critical role in serving general aviation needs for the Las Vegas Valley.
With facilities and standards that have evolved significantly since the last master plan 35 years ago, the update looks to align the airport with current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements while positioning it for future growth. The timing comes alongside growing aviation demands from an increase in major sporting events like 2024’s Super Bowl and Formula 1 racing in Las Vegas.
Currently in its final stages of approval with the FAA, the plan will help justify projects eligible for federal funding through an updated capital improvement program. Construction timelines will be determined following FAA approval.
The comprehensive study will examine multiple aspects of airport operations and development, including:
Evaluation of current facilities and future aviation demand.
Analysis of airfield configuration and facility needs.
Assessment of land use and development options.
Sustainability initiatives including recycling and electrical infrastructure for future aircraft electrification.
Environmental considerations and noise exposure analysis.
To ensure broad stakeholder input, the airport has established both Planning Advisory and Technical Advisory committees comprising government representatives, airport users, tenants, and community leaders. The groups will meet four times during the planning process to review materials and provide feedback.
The master plan development will unfold over several phases, with opportunities for public engagement through workshops and an online portal at vgt.airportstudy.net. The final document will require FAA review and approval, particularly for forecasts and the updated Airport Layout Plan.
Photo courtesy Eddie Maloney from North Las Vegas, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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