MARCH 25: McCarran International Airport says that its air traffic control tower has reopened, and operations are gradually returning to normal, one week after it announced the tower was temporarily closed because an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The @FAANews Air Traffic Control Tower at LAS has reopened. Operations are gradually returning to normal. — McCarran Airport (@LASairport) March 25, 2020

MARCH 23: For the 5th day, air travel at McCarran International Airport is still being impacted after an air traffic controller tested positive for coronavirus.

Las Vegas' major airport tweeted Monday morning that travelers should still expect cancellations and delays. They also tweeted photos of an employee cleaning in the airport.



Our custodial teams are working diligently with safety in mind. Staff have increased the use of a hospital-grade disinfectant on all high-touch surfaces around the airport. The disinfectant in use is recommended by the CDC to combat #COVIDー19 https://t.co/NPZUuOBL6L pic.twitter.com/WskVrNHtuH — McCarran Airport (@LASairport) March 23, 2020

ORIGINAL STORY

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- The air traffic control tower at McCarran International Airport was temporarily closed after an air traffic controller tested positive for coronavirus.

The temporary closure and positive test were confirmed late Wednesday evening in a statement released from the FAA:

“The air traffic control tower at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas is temporarily closing while we ensure a safe work environment for air traffic controllers and technicians.

RELATED: National, state coronavirus coverage

On Wednesday, an air traffic controller at the facility tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The Las Vegas Terminal Radar Approach Control has assumed control of the airspace.



Updated #FAA statement about operations at @LASairport. #Travelers should monitor the airport website for the status of passenger operations. pic.twitter.com/JLzHSnNGW4 — The FAA (@FAANews) March 19, 2020



The airport remains open and operations will continue at a reduced rate until the situation is resolved. The air traffic system is a resilient system with multiple backups in place.

This shift in operational control is a regular execution of a longstanding contingency plan to ensure continued operations. Each facility across the country has a similar plan that has been updated and tested in recent years.

The safety of our staff and the traveling public is the FAA’s top priority. Our controllers, inspectors and others with critical safety or security sensitive roles are essential components of our national airspace.

The FAA continues to maintain close contact with airports, airlines and other stakeholders during this situation.”

A spokesperson for McCarran International Airport said about 40 flights were diverted Wednesday evening.