With the Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix taking place this Sunday, transforming the famed Las Vegas Strip into a racecourse for the first time, area airports are gearing up for a major influx of business aircraft. At Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS), Henderson Executive Airport (KHND), and North Las Vegas Airport (KVGT), all transient aircraft arrivals must receive prior permission from their FBO through November 20.
“If you land without PPR [prior permission required], you will not be permitted to deplane passengers. You will have to depart immediately or, if additional fuel is needed to continue to another location, you will be permitted to upload fuel,” said Heidi Williams, NBAA’s senior director of air traffic services and infrastructure. “PPR will be strictly enforced to maintain order for what will be an extremely high number of operations.”
At KLAS, all aircraft without prior permission that land there while the notam is active will be reported to the FAA Flight Standards District Offices for potential punitive actions.
Atlantic Aviation—one of two service providers at KLAS—told AIN it is now at capacity for overnight stays throughout the event, with drop-and-go operations available through Monday for operators who can reposition to nearby airports. The company noted that it has brought in additional staff to help support the influx of traffic to serve its clients. AOPA is reporting that Atlantic is charging a special events fee of $3,500 for arriving aircraft at KLAS, while Signature Aviation’s fee ranges between $2,500 and $7,700 depending on the type of aircraft.
According to a Signature Aviation spokesperson, due to the "unprecedented" race week demand, the chain has increased staffing at the location by nearly 60 percent and brought in additional equipment including refuelers, GPUs, and tugs. "With these additions comes increases in costs such as housing (which has risen at least three-fold for many area hotels), meals, relocations, and rental fees," they wrote, adding, "We will be well prepared to take care of our customers so they can quickly deplane and get on with this once-in-a-lifetime event."
At KHND and KVGT, the Clark County Department of Aviation is charging an event arrival fee of either $750 or $3,000, depending on aircraft size. Both airports are reporting that they are already fully booked for overnight parking.
In February, the city will host the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium, and such fees are likely to be repeated.