FAA Grant to Fund Study for New Southern Nevada Airport

Funding will also cover perimeter gates at Harry Reid International Airport

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping, monumental forms of airport terminals and runways in shades of blue, silver, and white, conveying the grand scale and importance of air travel infrastructure.A federal grant will fund a study on a potential new airport to serve the growing transportation needs of Southern Nevada.Las Vegas Today

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded nearly $9 million in grants to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. The funding will be used to conduct a study on the potential development of a new airport in Southern Nevada, as well as to pay for perimeter gates at the existing airport.

Why it matters

The study on a new airport in Southern Nevada is an important step in addressing the region's growing air travel demands. As the population and tourism in the area continue to increase, the existing airport infrastructure may become strained, necessitating the exploration of additional capacity. The funding for perimeter gates at Harry Reid International Airport will also help enhance security and operations at the current facility.

The details

The $9 million FAA grant will be used for two main purposes. First, it will fund a comprehensive study to assess the feasibility and potential location of a new airport in Southern Nevada. This study will examine factors such as demand, environmental impact, and infrastructure requirements. Second, the grant will cover the costs of installing new perimeter gates at Harry Reid International Airport, which will improve security and access control at the existing facility.

  • On April 9, 2026, Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., announced the FAA grant award.
  • The study on a new Southern Nevada airport and the perimeter gate project at Harry Reid International Airport are expected to be completed within the next 12-18 months.

The players

Jacky Rosen

A Democratic U.S. Senator representing Nevada.

Harry Reid International Airport

The main commercial airport serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area, located in Clark County, Nevada.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The agency of the United States Department of Transportation responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

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What they’re saying

“This critical federal investment will help ensure our airport infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demands of our region.”

— Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The FAA-funded study on a potential new airport in Southern Nevada is expected to be completed within the next 12-18 months, at which point the findings will be reviewed and considered by state and local officials.

The takeaway

The FAA's $9 million grant represents a significant investment in the future of air travel infrastructure in Southern Nevada. The study on a new airport, coupled with improvements to the existing Harry Reid International Airport, will help the region prepare for anticipated growth in air traffic and tourism.