Happy Birthday McCarran International Airport

This Friday, Dec. 19th, marks the 60th anniversary of McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
When it opened, the airport was not much more than a tiny dusty airstrip served by four airlines that averaged a combined 12 flights per day.

(Photo: Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum)

Today, of course, McCarran is one of the world’s busiest airports with amenities that include an aviation museum, a 24-hour gym, slot machines, free Wi-Fi, and unlimited entertainment in the form of people-watching opportunities.

To celebrate turning 60, McCarran will host an airport-wide party on Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Travelers will get to meet showgirls (!) who will be handing out mints and snazzy “Welcome to Las Vegas” pins. Cast members from two Cirque du Soleil shows will be on site. Southwest Airlines will distribute cookies. And of course, there will be birthday cake.

You can read more about the history of McCarran International Airport in the Online Nevada Encyclopedia. Be sure to check out the photo gallery as well.

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