HND Airport History


Sky Harbor

In 1969, Arby Alper created a new general aviation airport located in the Las Vegas valley, south of the major population center. The airport served both general and corporate flyers, as well as some Grand Canyon sightseeing airlines. Slow, steady growth made Sky Harbor a small, but active airport throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Alper built new hangars and added new services when possible in support of the aviation industry in the valley, including some aircraft rebuilding. Sky Harbor’s location away from heavily populated areas made it popular with private pilots and general aviation enthusiasts.

Clark County Department of Aviation

In 1996, the Clark County Department of Aviation purchased Sky Harbor as part of an ongoing effort to meet the future aviation needs of Southern Nevada and the rapidly growing local population. At that time, the airport had one 5,000-foot runway, a single terminal building with a control tower, several large hangars, ten T-hangars and a handful of trailers. The name was changed to the Henderson Executive Airport, and work began on expansion plans.

Henderson Executive Airport expansion

To help meet the growing demand for aviation facilities and services in Southern Nevada, the Clark County Department of Aviation invested more than $30 million in Henderson Executive Airport to create a premier corporate aviation facility and an attractive, convenient and economical alternative to Harry Reid International Airport.

Several major projects have been completed, including:

  • The construction of two parallel runways, the longest being 6,501 feet.
  • A stand-alone air traffic control tower was constructed in 2006, replacing the original control tower built in the 1940s and was salvaged from Nellis Air Force Base in 1974.
  • Substantial utility infrastructure including a new maintenance building.
  • 15 acres of aircraft parking ramp with New storage hangars for 95 private aircraft.
  • A beautifully appointed terminal building opened on June 13, 2006, providing a seamless transition between aircraft and ground transportation.
  • In May 2020, All In Aviation and maintenance partner Lone Mountain Aviation opened Double Down Aviation - a multi-use aviation complex providing aircraft hangar space, maintenance services, pilot supplies, flight training, and aircraft rental.
  • The Ribeiro Companies’ Quail Air Center is expanding its hangar properties at Henderson Executive Airport. Three additional hangars, two 13,200 sf and one 14,900 sf, are being constructed and will provide further hangar accommodations for private jet aircraft.

The facilities at HND are tailored to the discriminating general aviation pilot and corporate client. As a primary reliever airport to busy Harry Reid International Airport, HND provides all the necessary services and amenities to make your trip pleasant and convenient.

With 84 acres of ramp space, the airfield has the capacity and runway length to meet the needs of virtually all general aviation aircraft, saving precious time and money for those choosing HND.