WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recognized Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) as the 2021 large Airport of the Year during its annual TSA Honorary Awards celebration, which was held virtually Thursday. LAS was selected for its commitment to excellence, leadership development among the local workforce and innovation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, TSA LAS took the opportunity to identify where improvements in their security processes and training could be made to ensure they were providing the highest level of security with the greatest efficiency for the traveling public every day. This included working closely with frontline TSA officers in small groups to gather their input that could be used to enhance security operations. TSA also prioritized working closely with its stakeholders, taking a leadership role in addressing common challenges experienced by all members of the airport community.
In June, TSA LAS in partnership with the airport reopened the Innovation Checkpoint, which features the latest upgrades in aviation security technologies to improve every aspect of the passenger screening experience. The reopening coincided with the return of the convention industry to Las Vegas. The Innovation Checkpoint is the only one of its kind in the county and is used by TSA to test and evaluate private sector innovation for future deployment at airports nationwide.
“Kudos to the TSA LAS workforce for earning this award. It is their efforts and accomplishments that made this award possible,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Nevada Karen Burke. “I am fortunate to work with a high-performing team of security professionals whose commitment to the mission and each other are second to none. We are honored to receive this award.”
TSA LAS screened more than 18.6 million departing passengers and crew in 2021, making it the fifth busiest airport in the country for TSA security checkpoint operations. This represents an increase of 79% over 2020 volumes.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) in South Carolina earned Airport of the Year honors for mid-size to small airports. TSA recognized it for outstanding operational performance during a period of historic passenger growth. Departing passenger levels at MYR increased 200% in July and August 2021 when compared to the same period in 2020.
There are more than 440 federalized airports nationwide.