What is the difference between Harry Reid Airport and McCarran airport?

In February 2021, the Clark County Commission voted unanimously to rename the airport after U.S. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, as the members believed that Pat McCarran had left a legacy of anti-Semitism and racism. The airport was officially renamed ten months later.



That’s an excellent question because it highlights a recent and significant name change. There is no difference between “Harry Reid Airport” and “McCarran Airport” — they are the same place.

The airport serving Las Vegas, Nevada, changed its name from McCarran International Airport to Harry Reid International Airport in December 2021.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details:

The Name Change

  • McCarran International Airport (IATA: LAS) was the name from 1948 until 2021. It was named for Pat McCarran, a powerful U.S. Senator from Nevada (1933-1954). In later years, McCarran’s legacy became controversial due to his documented racist and antisemitic views and his role in discriminatory immigration policies.
  • Harry Reid International Airport (IATA: LAS) is the current name, adopted after a vote by the Clark County Commission. It honors Harry Reid, the long-serving U.S. Senator from Nevada (1987-2017) and Senate Majority Leader. He was a pivotal figure in Nevada’s modern development.

What You Need to Know

  1. Same Location, Same Code: The airport’s physical location, its IATA code (LAS), and its role as the primary commercial airport for Las Vegas have not changed.
  2. Transition Period: You may still see the old name on some older signage, in historical documents, in older guidebooks, or in the habits of long-time residents and pilots. However, all official communications, new signage, and flight bookings now use “Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).”
  3. Common Confusion: The name change is

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