City officials are urging local residents to submit their comments about the proposed air traffic changes. The changes are begin sought by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and, if approved, would affect a large number of homes and businesses within the Las Vegas city limits. The FAA is looking at creating a "right turn" for departing flights. Flights would leave McCarran International Airport heading west, turning north over Interstate 215, then turning right again heading east over the Lake Mead Boulevard corridor.

The proposed plan would impact an area of the city that has a population density more than triple that of the current route in unincorporated Clark County. In addition, the proposed route would affect seven hospitals and eight schools, while the current route only affects one hospital and one school. The proposed route would also disproportionately impact the minority residents of the city, who comprise more than 31.3 percent of the population of the affected neighborhoods.

During the past months, the city of Las Vegas has worked with the FAA, McCarran International Airport and private citizens to discuss these proposed changes and begin a dialogue to discuss alternatives.

In December 2005, the City Council approved a resolution outlining its formal opposition to the proposed changes. Weeks later, the city sent a letter to the FAA requesting that the public comment period be extended for 60 days. The city was successful in setting the expansion to the comment period by 60 days to Tuesday, March 14. The city has also worked hand in hand with a citizens group that formed to further look into the proposed changes. The group acts as a resource for the City Council and staff.