Las Vegas Airport Plans 26 New Gates in Major Terminal 1 Expansion

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is preparing for a major transformation of Terminal 1 as Las Vegas aviation officials look to increase capacity, modernize aging facilities and prepare the airport for future passenger demand. Terminal 1 handled approximately 41 million passengers in 2025, accounting for the majority of the nearly 55 million travelers who passed through Harry Reid International Airport during the year. With passenger demand expected to grow over the long term, airport officials are developing plans to modernize Terminal 1 while continuing to operate one of the busiest airports in the United States.

Terminal 1 Faces Growing Capacity Pressure

Terminal 1 plays a central role in passenger operations at Harry Reid International Airport, serving millions of travelers arriving in and departing from Las Vegas every year. However, the terminal's age and existing layout are creating challenges as passenger volumes remain high.

The challenge is particularly significant because the existing airport is surrounded by development, limiting opportunities to expand its physical footprint or construct additional runways. As a result, officials are focusing on maximizing the capacity and efficiency of the existing airport.

26 New Gates Planned for Terminal 1

Long-term modernization plans call for a significant expansion of Terminal 1. The airport's previously announced concept includes adding 26 gates by replacing the existing cluster-style A and B gate buildings with a more efficient pier-style design.

The changes are intended to make better use of the airport's existing footprint while creating additional gate capacity and improving passenger movement through the terminal. Airport officials are continuing to develop the project timeline, with further concepts and renderings expected to provide a clearer picture of the future Terminal 1.

Terminal Operations Could Be Rebalanced

Terminal 1 is not the only part of Harry Reid International Airport included in the airport's long-term plans. The strategy also includes redesignating the existing Terminal 3 as Terminal 2 and rebalancing airline operations between the terminals.

Plans for the redesigned terminal also include changes to ticketing facilities and curbside self-service baggage technology. Together, these measures are designed to improve passenger processing while supporting additional capacity across the airport.

Passenger Experience Upgrades Already Underway

While the larger Terminal 1 transformation is still being developed, improvements are already taking place across Harry Reid International Airport. Terminal 1 has been receiving upgrades to its baggage handling facilities, escalators and other passenger infrastructure.

The airport has also been replacing tram equipment serving the C and D gates after years of intensive operation. Other recent improvements across LAS have included new lounges, retail and food and beverage options, updated passenger information systems and accessibility initiatives.

Airport Must Remain Operational During Construction

One of the biggest challenges facing the Terminal 1 modernization will be completing major construction while maintaining airport operations. Las Vegas relies heavily on air travel, and Harry Reid International Airport serves as the primary gateway for millions of visitors attending conventions, entertainment events and major sporting events in the city.

Airport officials therefore cannot simply close major sections of Terminal 1 for extended periods. Future construction will need to be carefully phased to maintain airline operations and passenger capacity while different sections of the terminal are upgraded or replaced. This will become increasingly important as Las Vegas continues to attract major international events and passenger demand evolves.

Road and Ground Transportation Improvements Also Planned

The airport's wider modernization strategy extends beyond its terminals. Plans include a terminal-to-terminal flyover roadway designed to create more efficient traffic circulation around the airport and separate airport traffic from vehicles passing through the surrounding area.

Two multimodal transportation centers are also planned to the north and south of the airport. The facilities are expected to support rideshare services, public transportation and parking for airport employees and airline crews. Improving ground transportation will be an important part of increasing the overall capacity of the airport as passenger numbers grow.

A Second Las Vegas Airport Is Part of the Long-Term Strategy

Even with major improvements at Harry Reid International Airport, officials are planning for a point when the existing airport can no longer accommodate all of Southern Nevada's aviation demand. The proposed Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport is intended to provide additional capacity in the longer term.

The project is currently progressing through the federal environmental review process. Airport officials have said the additional airport will ultimately be important because Harry Reid International Airport cannot simply solve its capacity constraints by adding another runway. Until the supplemental airport becomes available, maximizing the capacity of LAS will remain a major priority.

Las Vegas Airport Prepares for the Next Generation of Travel

Harry Reid International Airport remains one of the most important gateways to Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, with nearly half of visitors to the region arriving through the airport system. Modernizing Terminal 1 will therefore be critical not only for airport operations but also for supporting the region's tourism and events economy.