When Formula 1 descended on Las Vegas, the race started at LAS! 

Before drivers ever revved their engines, airport officials were meeting with resort partners, community leaders and even with airports in other cities that have hosted the race. 

The race brought with it eight wide-body aircraft filled with cars and equipment. The team at LAS spent months planning for the arrivals, ultimately executing a cargo operation unlike any they’d seen before. Skilled workers provided security and ensured there was no impact to regular operations. After the checkered flag, the airport was once again a hub of cargo activity as planes were loaded and off to the next race. 

Henderson Executive and North Las Vegas airports were vital in accommodating a vast number of private aircraft, with hundreds of takeoffs and landings over the course of several days. Jean Sport Aviation Center was even part of the mix with its ramp space used for overflow aircraft parking. 

Back at LAS, leadership created a communications hub dedicated to monitoring airport facilities. A direct result of researching other airports’ special events playbooks, the Facilities Maintenance Communications Center was staffed around the clock during the race. A wall of screens allowed staff to keep a close eye on everything from tram operations and baggage handling systems, to plumbing, electrical and HVAC. As a result, workers quickly responded to calls for repair or maintenance. Staff plan to use the communications center again in February for the Super Bowl and note that it also can be activated in an emergency situation. 

And to surprise and engage arriving race fans, there were Formula 1 photo ops set up in Baggage Claim, along with airport employees offering LAS giveaways.