Airport Overview
Henderson Executive Airport (KHND) is a public-use, Clark County-owned general-aviation airport in the south Las Vegas valley, about 12 miles from the Strip with quick access to I-15 and the 215 Beltway. Built as a dedicated reliever for Harry Reid International (LAS), it concentrates corporate, charter, and recreational traffic away from the commercial airline hub. The field handled roughly 78,000 aircraft operations in a recent year and is a frequent overflow destination during major Las Vegas events.
Runway Capability
The primary runway, 17R/35L at 6,501 ft, comfortably handles light through super-midsize jets, while the parallel 17L/35R at 5,001 ft serves lighter aircraft. At a 2,491-ft elevation, density altitude on hot summer afternoons is the governing factor for takeoff performance and payload, particularly for heavier jets — flight crews should run accurate performance numbers rather than rely on physical runway length alone.
FBO & Ground Services
Two FBOs serve HND: the county-operated Henderson Executive Terminal and Atlantic Aviation. Both provide Jet-A, ground handling, hangar and ramp space, crew amenities, catering, and ground-transportation coordination. Fuel at Henderson typically runs below Harry Reid International pricing, which is one reason charter operators favor it. There is no on-airport U.S. Customs; international arrivals clear at Harry Reid International (LAS).
Charter Considerations
Henderson is the preferred south-valley choice for charter passengers heading to Henderson, the southern Strip resorts, Lake Las Vegas, or Boulder City. Compared with Harry Reid International, it offers a quieter ramp, faster aircraft turns, and generally lower fuel and handling fees. For destinations on the north end of the valley, North Las Vegas (VGT) may be closer; for very large-cabin jets or international itineraries requiring Customs, LAS remains the practical option.
Safety & Planning
Pilots should plan around the 0600-2000 tower hours, the lack of an ILS (RNAV/GPS and VOR approaches only), and the nighttime operational restriction on runway 17L/35R (1900-0700). The airport publishes a voluntary 'Fly Quietly' noise-abatement program. Daytime commercial air-tour traffic transits the area, so see-and-avoid vigilance and current NOTAM/TFR checks are essential, especially during major-event TFRs over the Strip.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
Mojave Desert conditions dominate: 300-plus sunny days, summer highs above 110°F, and rare precipitation. The 2,491-ft elevation makes summer density altitude the most significant operational variable, favoring early-morning departures for full-payload missions. Winter frontal passages occasionally bring brief IFR ceilings and gusty winds, where the two parallel runways provide useful crosswind flexibility.
Regional Context
Henderson is one of three Las Vegas-area airports for private travelers: HND in the south valley (quieter, jet-capable, lower fuel cost), Harry Reid International (LAS) closest to the central Strip and the only field with Customs and full heavy-jet support, and North Las Vegas (VGT) in the north valley, oriented toward light aircraft and flight training. HND also serves as the closest convenient field for Lake Mead, Hoover Dam, and Boulder City recreation.