NBAA-BACE, the largest business aviation event of the year, takes over Las Vegas from Tuesday, October 20 through Thursday, October 22, 2026. The exhibit floor fills the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall, and roughly 80 business aircraft line the ramp at Henderson Executive Airport for the static display. It is also one of the busiest weeks of the year for Las Vegas private jet traffic, with the FAA running special procedures at four area airports. Here is how to plan the week, from choosing an airport to fitting in a few hours outside the convention hall.
The Week at a Glance
- Monday, October 19: Arrive, check in, and get settled before the show opens.
- Tuesday, October 20: Opening day on the exhibit floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
- Wednesday, October 21: Static display day at Henderson Executive Airport, with an evening near Lake Mead.
- Thursday, October 22: Final day of the show and a last dinner on the Strip.
- Friday, October 23: A morning in Red Rock Canyon before an easier departure.
October weather in Las Vegas cooperates, with daytime highs typically around 80 degrees and cool, dry evenings.
Getting There: Four Airports, One Set of Rules
The FAA’s special traffic management program for the show runs from October 15 through late on October 22 local time, and it covers four airports:
- Harry Reid International (KLAS): The closest option to the Strip and the Convention Center, and the only one of the four with a tower open around the clock.
- Henderson Executive (KHND): Host airport for the static display, south of the Strip. If walking the ramp is the main reason you are going, this puts you right at the aircraft.
- North Las Vegas (KVGT): A solid alternative on the north side of the valley.
- Boulder City (KBVU): A non-towered field farther southeast, best suited for operators comfortable with the extra drive.
Henderson Executive and North Las Vegas towers operate from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time during the event.
A few rules matter more this week than on a normal Las Vegas trip:
- Parking reservations (PPR) are mandatory for arrivals and departures at KLAS, KHND, and KVGT. Book through your FBO or the airport authority.
- At Henderson Executive, reservations cover everything, including parking, drop-offs, and pick-ups. The FBO can be reached at (702) 261-4800.
- File early, but not too early. The FAA asks for flight plans at least 12 hours and no more than 22 hours before departure.
- Expect departure times to be assigned. The FAA may issue Expect Departure Clearance Times (EDCTs) with a five minute compliance window, along with gate holds during peak periods.
- No switching airports in the air. Airborne destination changes between KLAS, KHND, and KVGT will not be approved.
- No pop-up IFR clearances. Air-filed and pick-up IFR clearances within 200 nautical miles of Las Vegas will not be accepted, and practice approaches within 60 nautical miles are off the table.
The practical takeaway: lock in parking with your FBO as early as possible. Ramp space at all three main airports fills well ahead of show week.
Day 1 (Monday): Arrive and Settle In
Arriving Monday gives you a full evening before the show starts and avoids the opening day crush at the FBOs. Hotels near the Convention Center’s West Hall, including Resorts World, Wynn and Encore, and the Fontainebleau, keep you closest to the exhibit floor. The LVCC Loop, an underground shuttle system, connects the Convention Center with several nearby resorts and cuts down on taxi lines during the show.
Plan on an easy first night: dinner at your hotel and an early start Tuesday.
Day 2 (Tuesday): The Exhibit Floor
Opening day is the busiest on the convention floor. A few ways to make it count:
- Set your meetings in advance. Manufacturers, management companies, and maintenance providers book up quickly during show week.
- Prioritize the booths that matter to your mission. If you are considering an upgrade, spend time with the OEMs in your target category before the crowds peak in the afternoon.
- Leave room for education sessions. NBAA’s program covers operations, safety, and regulatory topics that are worth an hour of your day.
Close the day with dinner on the Strip. Las Vegas has one of the deepest restaurant scenes in the country, and show week is a good time to book well ahead.
Day 3 (Wednesday): Static Display and Lake Mead
Block out at least half a day for the static display at Henderson Executive. This is where the show stands apart from any other industry event: you can step aboard aircraft across every category, from light jets to ultra-long-range flagships, and compare cabins side by side in a single afternoon. A spec sheet gives you cabin dimensions. Standing in the aisle tells you what a six hour flight in that seat will actually feel like.
Henderson sits close to Lake Mead and Boulder City, so the late afternoon is a good time to head east:
- Hoover Dam is about a 30 minute drive from Henderson and worth seeing in person, especially in the softer evening light.
- Lake Mead offers quiet overlooks and a real change of pace from the convention floor.
- Boulder City has a small, walkable downtown for an easy dinner away from the Strip.
Day 4 (Thursday): Final Day on the Floor
The last day of the show tends to be quieter, which makes it the best time for follow-up conversations with anyone you met earlier in the week. Use the morning to revisit booths, finish any aircraft comparisons, and collect what you need for decisions after the show.
Thursday night is a good time for a show or a celebratory dinner before heading home. The Bellagio fountains are an easy stop on the way.
Day 5 (Friday): Red Rock Canyon and an Easier Departure
The FAA’s special procedures end late Thursday night, so a Friday departure skips the end of show rush at the FBOs. Before wheels up, make the 30 minute drive west to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. The 13 mile scenic drive winds past red sandstone cliffs and short hiking trails, and an early morning visit fits easily before an afternoon departure.
For a longer outing, Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour northeast of the city, offers some of the most striking desert scenery in Nevada.
Planning Your Las Vegas Private Jet Trip
Show week rewards early planning. Parking reservations, hotels near the Convention Center, and dinner tables all go first. Settle the aircraft and FBO plan early, and the rest of the week becomes much easier.
Meet With Us in Las Vegas
Holstein Aviation will have representatives at NBAA-BACE 2026. Whether you are flying in for the show, weighing an upgrade, or considering a sale, we would like to meet in person. Contact Holstein Aviation to set up a time during show week or talk through the right aircraft for your next trip.
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