High-Traffic Events Like NBAA Convention Straining Las Vegas
Airspace
On the eve of their annual convention in Las Vegas (NV), we
got this from the NBAA:
We are pleased that this year’s NBAA convention is drawing
record numbers of attendees. However, the event (in conjunction
with other high draw Las Vegas events) is straining local air
traffic and FBOs to their operational limits. As a result, aircraft
overnight parking during the annual NBAA convention in Las Vegas is
reported to be at capacity for McCarran, North Las Vegas and
Henderson airports. In addition, it has been reported to NBAA that
"drop and go" reservations are no longer being accepted at either
FBO at LAS.
It appears the recent tremendous growth in airline traffic to
Las Vegas has resulted in not being able to close (as they have in
the past) one of the north/south parallel runways to accommodate
aircraft parking. NBAA staff has been engaged in an ongoing
dialogue this week with Las Vegas FAA and FBO managers regarding
possible alternatives. We are told all possible mitigations have
been put in place and the airports and FBOs indicate they are at
their maximum capacity. That’s why they are telling us they
cannot accept further parking reservations.
Much further out are Laughlin/Bullhead airport (IFP), Kingman
airport (IGM), and Mesquite airport (67L) airports. All three are
within a 90 – 120 minute drive from Las Vegas and report they
have ramp space available. We recognize that these are not
desirable alternatives but you may want to consider them.
In addition, NBAA is aware of the likely VIP visit to Las Vegas
on the morning of Thursday, October 14. We are coordinating with
appropriate government officials to minimize the impact on flight
operations at the three Las Vegas airports on Oct 14 for likely
departure flights. However, you may wish to reconsider your
Thursday departure plans.
We are pleased that this year’s NBAA convention is drawing
record numbers of attendees. However, the event (in conjunction
with other high draw Las Vegas events) is straining local air
traffic and FBOs to their operational limits. As a result, aircraft
overnight parking during the annual NBAA convention in Las Vegas is
reported to be at capacity for McCarran, North Las Vegas and
Henderson airports. In addition, it has been reported to NBAA that
"drop and go" reservations are no longer being accepted at either
FBO at LAS.
It appears the recent tremendous growth in airline traffic to
Las Vegas has resulted in not being able to close (as they have in
the past) one of the north/south parallel runways to accommodate
aircraft parking. NBAA staff has been engaged in an ongoing
dialogue this week with Las Vegas FAA and FBO managers regarding
possible alternatives. We are told all possible mitigations have
been put in place and the airports and FBOs indicate they are at
their maximum capacity. That’s why they are telling us they
cannot accept further parking reservations.
Much further out are Laughlin/Bullhead airport (IFP), Kingman
airport (IGM), and Mesquite airport (67L) airports. All three are
within a 90 – 120 minute drive from Las Vegas and report they
have ramp space available. We recognize that these are not
desirable alternatives but you may want to consider them.
In addition, NBAA is aware of the likely VIP visit to Las Vegas
on the morning of Thursday, Oct 14. We are coordinating with
appropriate government officials to minimize the impact on flight
operations at the three Las Vegas airports on Oct 14 for likely
departure flights. However, you may wish to reconsider your
Thursday departure plans.
(ANN is at the NBAA convention in force. Editor-In-Chief Jim
Campbell and Associate Editor Juan Jimenez are covering all aspects
of the convention --ed.)
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