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.)

FMI: www.nbaa.org