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Airlines Complain about Vegas Airport's Plan

by Josh Lew on Oct 13th 2008 at 1:30PM

Despite seeing a decrease in the number of arrivals, construction of a new terminal will go ahead as planned at McCarran Airport Las Vegas. Though the 2 billion dollar project will not be completed until 2012, some airlines are questioning the timing of the project. It's not secret that airlines are struggling. Arrivals are down almost 5% at McCarran since last year. A drop of as high as 15% is forecast for next year.

Southwest Airlines has been the biggest critic of the expansion. Over 30% of Las Vegas arrivals fly Southwest. But the airline has been trimming back its service to Sin City. The airport expansion will mostly be funded by an increase in the fees that airlines pay to use the airport and its gates. No one wants to hear talk of higher prices right now, especially at a bread-and-butter location like Las Vegas. After the rapid growth that the city has been experiencing, no one seems to want to look at the facts. But things are slowing down. I guess McCarran is gambling that things won't be so slow in a couple of years.

Filed under: Airlines, Airports

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

fedup Oct 13th 2008 4:45PM

Vegas knows exactly what they are doing! Gaming may be down but tourism in Vegas is still thriving. Vegas not only caters to the US but it is one of the best destinations for international travelers and high end clients. By the end of 2012, Vegas will have an additional 40,000 rooms. Should these people get bussed in or maybe travel by mule? McCarren airport is too small to serve its purpose at its current state. As it is, another airport is proposed for construction in Vegas to handle the volume, in addition to the proposed high speed rail line from L.A. JFK has been expanding for years and its still insufficiant. SouthWorst airlines, your just going to have to pass on the fees to us anyway, so why not put it to good use rather than stuff your pockets with it.

ian Oct 14th 2008 10:05AM

Anything that improves the terrible international terminal that Virgin et al use would be a god send.

Las Vegas Managing Editor Dec 1st 2008 9:03PM

Unfortunately, the new terminal will be domestic and the lousy international terminal will stay the same.

I agree that the international terminal is the worst first impression we can give to those who fly so far to get here.

Ted Newkirk
Managing Editor
http://www.accessvegas.com