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02 Oct KLAS active shooter
ATC manages Las Vegas airport operations as people flee onto runways during the 2017 mass shooting.
Summary
This transcript captures the chaotic and high-stakes environment at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport during the October 1, 2017, mass shooting. Air traffic controllers had to manage aircraft while hundreds of concert-goers fled the Route 91 Harvest festival by climbing airport fences and running onto active runways. The recording highlights the coordination between ATC, airport operations, and pilots as they navigated the threat of an active shooter positioned in the nearby Mandalay Bay hotel.
Analysis
The incident captured in this transcript is one of the most harrowing examples of airport management during a non-aviation emergency. As the shooting unfolded at the Route 91 Harvest music festival, victims fled toward the airport perimeter, breaching the fences and running onto the airfield to escape the gunfire. This created an immediate safety crisis, as controllers had to halt movements on certain runways while simultaneously managing incoming flights that were low on fuel and needed to land.
A key moment in the recording occurs when the controller informs pilots that "shutting down might not be a good idea" because they need to remain mobile and aware of the "active shooters on the runway." This reflects the initial fog of war, where it was unclear if the shooters had moved onto airport grounds or if the people seen on the runways were victims or suspects. The controller’s professional demeanor while "talking to like seven different people" demonstrates incredible composure under extreme pressure.
From an aviation perspective, the transcript illustrates the importance of airport configuration. The Mandalay Bay hotel overlooks the western end of the airport. Once it was confirmed the shooter was firing from an elevated position in the hotel, departing toward the west (on the 26 runways) became a significant risk. The controller and ground units discussed switching to a "7 configuration," meaning aircraft would take off toward the east, away from the hotel, to keep them out of the line of fire.
The aftermath of this event led to significant discussions regarding airport perimeter security and emergency response protocols for "off-airport" incidents that spill onto the airfield. For non-experts, this recording serves as a stark reminder that airports are not isolated bubbles; they are deeply integrated into the surrounding urban environment, and external tragedies can instantly transform a routine aviation operation into a life-or-death security mission.
Original ATC Communication
Plain English Translation
MOBILE 7
Vegas, I've got people on the runway!
MOBILE 7
Vegas, there are people out on the runway!
TOWER
Mobile 7, Roger. We're keeping that area clear for you. Allegiant 453, make the right turn on Alpha and just stop at Alpha 5.
TOWER
Copy that, Mobile 7. We’re keeping that area clear for you. Allegiant 453, turn right onto the main taxiway and stop at the fifth intersection.
ALLEGIANT 453
Right turn Alpha, stop at Alpha 5. Allegiant 453.
ALLEGIANT 453
Right turn onto the taxiway, stopping at the fifth intersection. Allegiant 453.
TOWER
WestJet 1118, maintain 7,000 now. Fly runway heading.
TOWER
WestJet 1118, stay at 7,000 feet for now. Keep flying straight in the direction of the runway.
WESTJET 1118
Maintain 7,000. Fly runway heading. WestJet 1118.
WESTJET 1118
Staying at 7,000. Flying straight out. WestJet 1118.
TOWER
Southwest 4046—
TOWER
Southwest 4046—
TOWER
WestJet 1118, maintain 7,000. Fly runway heading.
TOWER
WestJet 1118, stay at 7,000 feet. Keep flying straight in the direction of the runway.
WESTJET 1118
Maintain runway heading, climbing to 7,000. WestJet 1118.
WESTJET 1118
Staying on this heading, climbing up to 7,000 feet. WestJet 1118.
TOWER
Cleared to land, Southwest 6090.
TOWER
You are authorized to land, Southwest 6090.
SOUTHWEST 6090
Cleared to land, 26 Left. Southwest 6090.
SOUTHWEST 6090
Authorized to land on the left runway. Southwest 6090.
SOUTHWEST 4046
Tower, Southwest 4046 with you, visual 26 Left.
SOUTHWEST 4046
Tower, this is Southwest 4046 checking in, we have the left runway in sight.
TOWER
Southwest 4046, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Southwest 4046, Las Vegas Tower. The wind is calm, you are authorized to land on the left runway.
SOUTHWEST 4046
26 Left, cleared to land. Southwest 4046.
SOUTHWEST 4046
Authorized to land on the left runway. Southwest 4046.
TOWER
Cirrus 788, stop short of Bravo 5.
TOWER
Cirrus 788, stop and wait before you reach the fifth taxiway intersection.
CIRRUS 788
Stop short of Bravo 5. Cirrus 788.
CIRRUS 788
Stopping before we reach the fifth intersection. Cirrus 788.
TOWER
Allegiant 1553 Heavy, make the left turn Bravo 5, Charlie to the ramp. And just be advised, there is an active shooter on the airport. This is a blanket broadcast for all aircraft. Just a heads up, keep your speeds up to the ramp.
TOWER
Allegiant 1553, you're a large aircraft, so take the left on the fifth taxiway and follow the Charlie path to the parking area. Everyone listen up: there's an active shooter on the airport grounds. This is a warning for all planes. Keep your speed up until you get to the gates.
MOBILE 7
19 Left—approve crossing runway 19 Left at Sierra.
MOBILE 7
This is Mobile 7, I'm crossing the left runway at the Sierra intersection now.
TOWER
WestJet 1118, contact Departure 125.9.
TOWER
WestJet 1118, switch over and talk to the departure controllers on frequency 125.9.
WESTJET 1118
125.9, WestJet 1118.
WESTJET 1118
Switching to 125.9, WestJet 1118.
OMNI 101
Omni 101 Heavy, visual 26 Left.
OMNI 101
Omni 101, we’re a large jet and we have the left runway in sight, ready to land.
TOWER
Allegiant 453, cross runway 26 Right and stop short of Bravo.
TOWER
Allegiant 453, drive across the right-side runway and stop just before you reach the Bravo taxiway.
ALLEGIANT 453
Cross 26 Right, short of Bravo. Allegiant 453.
ALLEGIANT 453
Crossing the right runway and stopping before Bravo. Allegiant 453.
CAREFLIGHT 1
Vegas Tower, CareFlight 1, 9 miles out, Spring Valley.
CAREFLIGHT 1
Las Vegas Tower, this is medical flight CareFlight 1, we're nine miles away over Spring Valley.
TOWER
CareFlight 1, Roger. Southwest 6090, cross runway 26 Right, stop at Bravo.
TOWER
CareFlight 1, I hear you. Southwest 6090, go ahead and cross the right-side runway, then stop at the Bravo path.
SOUTHWEST 6090
Cross 26 Right, short of Bravo. 6090.
SOUTHWEST 6090
Crossing the right runway, stopping before Bravo. Southwest 6090.
TOWER
Cirrus 788, taxi inbound Bravo 5 and contact Ramp.
TOWER
Cirrus 788, head toward the gates using the fifth taxiway and then check in with the parking controllers.
CIRRUS 788
Bravo 5 to Ramp. Cirrus 788.
CIRRUS 788
Taking the fifth taxiway to the parking area. Cirrus 788.
OMNI 101
Omni 101 Heavy, visual 26 Left.
OMNI 101
Tower, this is Omni 101, we're a large jet and we have the left runway in sight.
TOWER
Omni 101 Heavy, thanks. Runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Omni 101, thank you. You are officially authorized to land on the left runway.
OMNI 101
Cleared to land 26 Left. Omni 101 Heavy.
OMNI 101
Authorized to land on the left runway. Omni 101.
TOWER
County Mobile 8, proceed on runway 19 Right.
TOWER
Mobile 8, go ahead and drive onto runway 19 Right.
TOWER
Mobile 254, 19 Left and 19 Right are closed. Use them at your discretion.
TOWER
Mobile 254, runways 19 Left and 19 Right are now closed. Use them at your own risk.
TOWER
Alaska 624, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Alaska 624, this is Las Vegas Tower. The wind is calm, and you are cleared to land on runway 26 Left.
ALASKA 624
Cleared to land 26 Left. Alaska 624.
ALASKA 624
We're cleared to land on 26 Left. Alaska 624.
TOWER
For departures, standby one. We’re not going anywhere for just a moment. Omni 101 Heavy, Alpha 6, join runway 26 Right and start a back-taxi. You’re going to the Echo gates, confirm?
TOWER
Everyone waiting to take off, just wait a second. We’re not moving anyone for the moment. Omni 101, you're a large aircraft, so turn onto runway 26 Right at taxiway Alpha 6 and drive back the opposite way down the runway. You’re heading for the Echo gates, is that right?
OMNI 101
Yeah, Echo. So, take 26 Right, back-taxi?
OMNI 101
Yeah, we're heading to Echo. So, we'll take 26 Right and drive back against the normal flow?
TOWER
Yes, sir. Contact Ground .1.
TOWER
That's right, sir. Now switch over and talk to ground control on frequency .1.
OMNI 101
Contact Ground .1. Omni 101 Heavy.
OMNI 101
Switching to ground on .1. Omni 101.
ALASKA 624
Tower, Alaska 624, we’re on a 7-mile final runway—excuse me, 10-mile final runway 26 Left.
ALASKA 624
Tower, Alaska 624, we’re on our final approach to the runway, about 7 miles out—sorry, make that 10 miles away from runway 26 Left.
TOWER
Alaska 624, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Alaska 624, Las Vegas Tower. The wind is still, and you're cleared to land on runway 26 Left.
ALASKA 624
Cleared to land 26 Left. Alaska 624.
ALASKA 624
Cleared to land on 26 Left. Alaska 624.
ALLEGIANT 1553
Vegas, Allegiant 1553. Should we shut down here?
ALLEGIANT 1553
Vegas, Allegiant 1553. Should we turn our engines off right here?
TOWER
Shutting down might not be a good idea. There are active shooters on the runway. The 19s are closed. We are in the process of trying to round them up. They’re on the airport proper. I’m getting the information now. I’m talking to like seven different people.
TOWER
Turning off your engines might not be a good idea. There are active shooters on the runway. Both of the 19 runways are closed. We are currently trying to catch them. They are on the airport grounds. I’m getting more info now, but I’m talking to about seven different people at once.
MOBILE 7
Tower, Mobile 7, can I get you to kill the lights for the 19s?
MOBILE 7
Tower, this is Mobile 7, can you turn off the lights for the 19 runways?
ALLEGIANT 1553
If we shut down, we're all stuck here.
ALLEGIANT 1553
If we turn the engines off, we're all going to be stuck right here.
TOWER
Mobile 61, them on or off?
TOWER
Mobile 61, do you want those lights on or off?
MOBILE 7
Mobile 7, I'd like the lights for the 19s off.
MOBILE 7
This is Mobile 7, I'd like the lights for the south-facing runways turned off.
TOWER
Lights off.
TOWER
Turning the lights off now.
OMNI 101
And Tower, for Omni 101 Heavy, you want us clear at Alpha 4?
OMNI 101
And Tower, for our large Omni 101 jet, do you want us to exit the runway at the Alpha 4 turnoff?
TOWER
Go ahead and make the left turn at Alpha 3, straight in to the ramp.
TOWER
Go ahead and make the left turn at the Alpha 3 exit, then head straight into the parking area.
OMNI 101
Alpha 3, straight into the ramp. Omni 101 Heavy.
OMNI 101
Left at Alpha 3, then straight to the parking area. Omni 101.
TOWER
Southwest 4046, cross runway 26 Right, taxi straight in and contact Ramp Control.
TOWER
Southwest 4046, cross the right-side runway, taxi straight ahead, and then contact the parking area controllers.
SOUTHWEST 4046
Okay, cross 26 Right, straight in and over to Ramp. Southwest 4046.
SOUTHWEST 4046
Okay, crossing the right runway, heading straight in, and switching to the parking controllers. Southwest 4046.
FRONTIER 1263
Vegas Tower, good evening. Frontier Flight 1263, just inside Roland.
FRONTIER 1263
Vegas Tower, good evening. Frontier Flight 1263, we've just passed the Roland navigation point.
TOWER
Frontier 1263, Las Vegas Tower. Continue, reducing as much as possible. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Frontier 1263, Las Vegas Tower. Keep coming in, but slow your speed down as much as you can. The wind is still, you're cleared to land on the left runway.
FRONTIER 1263
Yeah, this is as slow as it gets. Cleared to land, Frontier 1263.
FRONTIER 1263
Yeah, believe me, we're going as slow as this plane can fly. Cleared to land, Frontier 1263.
TOWER
Good day, Cirrus 695. 4.6, visual 26 Left.
TOWER
Hello, Cirrus 695. You're four and a half miles out, cleared for a visual approach to the left runway.
CIRRUS 695
Cirrus 695, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
CIRRUS 695
Cirrus 695, acknowledging Las Vegas Tower. Wind is calm, we're cleared to land on the left runway.
CIRRUS 695
26 Left, cleared to land. Cirrus 695.
CIRRUS 695
Cleared to land on the left runway. Cirrus 695.
TOWER
Alaska 624, cross runway 26 Right. Quick speed off that runway and make the right turn on Bravo. Contact Ground .1.
TOWER
Alaska 624, cross the right-side runway. Get off that runway quickly, then turn right onto the Bravo taxiway. Switch your radio to the ground controllers.
ALASKA 624
Quick speed across and then right on Bravo to Ground. Alaska 624.
ALASKA 624
We'll cross the runway quickly and then take a right on taxiway Bravo to talk to ground control. Alaska 624.
TOWER
WestJet 1118, visual 26 Left.
TOWER
WestJet 1118, I see you have runway 26 Left in sight.
WESTJET 1118
WestJet 1118, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
WESTJET 1118
WestJet 1118, this is Las Vegas Tower. The wind is calm, runway 26 Left, you're cleared to land.
WESTJET 1118
Cleared to land 26 Left. WestJet 1118. All right, for all the departures waiting, if you don't have them started up, get them started up. I'm going to try to get you out of here.
WESTJET 1118
Authorized to land on 26 Left, WestJet 1118. Okay, for all the planes waiting to take off, if your engines aren't running, get them started. I'm going to try to get you out of here.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, let me know when you're ready to go.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, let me know as soon as you're ready for takeoff.
SOUTHWEST 3497
We're ready.
SOUTHWEST 3497
We're ready to go.
FRONTIER 1263
Frontier Flight 1263 at Alpha 6. Cross runway 26 Right, contact Ground .1.
FRONTIER 1263
Frontier Flight 1263, you're at taxiway Alpha 6. Cross over runway 26 Right and then switch to ground control on point-one.
FRONTIER 1263
Crossing 26 Right at Alpha 6. Frontier Flight 1263.
FRONTIER 1263
We're crossing runway 26 Right at taxiway Alpha 6 now. Frontier Flight 1263.
SPIRIT 199
Tower, Spirit 199, visual 26 Left.
SPIRIT 199
Tower, Spirit 199 has the runway 26 Left in sight.
TOWER
Spirit 199, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Spirit 199, Las Vegas Tower. The wind is calm, runway 26 Left, you're cleared to land.
SPIRIT 199
Cleared to land 26 Left. Spirit 199.
SPIRIT 199
Authorized to land on 26 Left. Spirit 199.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Tower, Southwest 3497, ready.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Tower, Southwest 3497 is ready for departure.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, Roger. Standby.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, understood. Just wait there for a moment.
FRONTIER 1093
Vegas Tower, good evening. Frontier Flight 1093 is visual 26 Left.
FRONTIER 1093
Vegas Tower, good evening. Frontier Flight 1093 has runway 26 Left in sight.
TOWER
Frontier 1093, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Frontier 1093, Las Vegas Tower. Winds are calm, runway 26 Left, you're cleared to land.
FRONTIER 1093
Cleared to land 26 Left. Frontier Flight 1093.
FRONTIER 1093
We have permission to land on the left runway 26. Frontier Flight 1093.
TOWER
Cirrus 695, Alpha 7, cross runway 26 Right. Taxi via Zulu Whiskey to contact Ramp.
TOWER
Cirrus 695, at intersection Alpha 7, cross over the right runway 26. Then follow taxiways Zulu and Whiskey and switch to the parking area frequency.
CIRRUS 695
Alpha 7, cross 26 Right, Zulu Whiskey to the ramp. Cirrus 695.
CIRRUS 695
Crossing the right runway at Alpha 7, then Zulu and Whiskey to the parking area. Cirrus 695.
ALLEGIANT 487
Vegas Tower, Allegiant 487, left base to final, 13 Alpha for 26 Left.
ALLEGIANT 487
Vegas Tower, Allegiant 487, we are making our final turn to line up with the left runway 26, thirteen miles out.
TOWER
Allegiant 487, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Allegiant 487, Las Vegas Tower. The wind is calm, you are cleared to land on the left runway 26.
ALLEGIANT 487
Cleared to land 26 Left. Allegiant 487.
ALLEGIANT 487
Authorized to land on the left runway 26. Allegiant 487.
TOWER
County Mobile 8.
TOWER
County ground vehicle Mobile 8, do you copy?
MOBILE 8
Mobile 8.
MOBILE 8
This is Mobile 8.
TOWER
Any County Mobile vehicles, I need to talk to you. I need an update on any individuals on the airport.
TOWER
Calling all County ground vehicles, I need to talk to someone. I need an update on any unauthorized people spotted on the airport property.
MOBILE 8
Were they armed?
MOBILE 8
Did they have weapons?
TOWER
Was it armed, or was it people trying to escape the situation across the street?
TOWER
Were they armed, or was it just people trying to run away from that situation across the street?
TOWER
WestJet 1118, cross runway 26 Right, then Ground .1.
TOWER
WestJet 1118, cross over the right runway 26, then switch your radio to ground control on frequency 121.1.
WESTJET 1118
26 Right and then Ground .1. WestJet 1118.
WESTJET 1118
Crossing the right runway and then switching to ground control. WestJet 1118.
SOUTHWEST 1738
Tower, Southwest 1738, visual 26 Left.
SOUTHWEST 1738
Tower, Southwest 1738, we have the left runway 26 in sight.
TOWER
Southwest 1738, Las Vegas Tower. Wind calm, runway 26 Left, cleared to land.
TOWER
Southwest 1738, Las Vegas Tower. The wind is still, you are cleared to land on the left runway 26.
SOUTHWEST 1738
Cleared to land 26 Left. Southwest 1738.
SOUTHWEST 1738
We've got the green light to land on the left runway. Southwest 1738.
TOWER
Frontier 1093, turn right, expedite off the runway. Cross runway 26 Right, turn right on Bravo and use Charlie 3 over to the ramp.
TOWER
Frontier 1093, turn right and get off the runway quickly. Cross over the right-side runway, take a right on taxiway Bravo, and use Charlie 3 to get to the parking area.
FRONTIER 1093
Expedite and right on Bravo and use Charlie 3. Frontier Flight 1093.
FRONTIER 1093
Moving fast, right on Bravo and taking Charlie 3. Frontier Flight 1093.
FRONTIER 1093
Confirm cleared to cross 26 Right?
FRONTIER 1093
Just to confirm, are we clear to cross the right-side runway?
TOWER
Cross 26 Right.
TOWER
Yes, go ahead and cross the right-side runway.
FRONTIER 1093
Cross 26 Right. Frontier Flight 1093.
FRONTIER 1093
Crossing the right-side runway now. Frontier Flight 1093.
TOWER
Spirit 199, cross runway 26 Right, use Golf and contact Ramp Control. Quick speed off the runway.
TOWER
Spirit 199, cross the right-side runway, take taxiway Golf, and talk to the terminal controllers. Hurry off the landing strip.
SPIRIT 199
Cross 26 Right, Golf and contact Ramp. Spirit 199.
SPIRIT 199
Crossing the right runway, heading to Golf and the terminal. Spirit 199.
TOWER
Allegiant 487, cleared off at Alpha 6.
TOWER
Allegiant 487, you're clear to exit the runway at taxiway Alpha 6.
ALLEGIANT 487
Allegiant 487, cross runway 26 Right, taxi via Bravo—let's make it Golf—and contact the Ramp.
ALLEGIANT 487
Allegiant 487, crossing the right runway, taking taxiway Bravo—actually, let's use Golf—and then over to the terminal.
ALLEGIANT 487
All right, cross 26 Right, we can just take Golf straight in, sir?
ALLEGIANT 487
Alright, crossing the right runway, can we just take taxiway Golf all the way in, sir?
TOWER
Allegiant 487, not sure if that was a question. Use Golf and contact the Ramp.
TOWER
Allegiant 487, I wasn't sure if you were asking a question. Use Golf and contact the terminal controllers.
ALLEGIANT 487
Golf, Ramp. Thanks.
ALLEGIANT 487
Golf and terminal. Thanks.
TOWER
Southwest 1738 at Alpha 6. Cross runway 26 Right, taxi via Bravo 6 straight in, contact the Ramp.
TOWER
Southwest 1738, you're at exit Alpha 6. Cross the right-side runway, take taxiway Bravo 6 straight in, and talk to the terminal.
SOUTHWEST 1738
Alpha 6, cross 26 Right, Bravo 6 to the Ramp. Southwest 1738. Thanks.
SOUTHWEST 1738
Alpha 6, crossing the right runway, then Bravo 6 to the terminal. Southwest 1738. Thanks.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, the plan is to depart you and turn you immediately south as soon as you're airborne. Can you handle it?
TOWER
Southwest 3497, the plan is to get you off the ground and have you bank south the moment you're in the air. Are you okay with that maneuver?
SOUTHWEST 3497
Yeah, just as long as the runway is secure.
SOUTHWEST 3497
We can do that, just as long as you're sure the runway is safe for us to use.
TOWER
Yeah, the runway is clear and secure. You’ll see when you get out there, there's a situation out to the west. I do want you to depart, I want you on your way. But I don't want you straight out to the west. I think a south turn out would be the best.
TOWER
Yes, the runway is clear and safe. You’ll see it for yourself once you get out there, but there’s a situation unfolding to the west. I want you to take off and get on your way, but I don't want you flying straight toward the trouble. A turn to the south is definitely the best move.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Sounds good to us. Southwest 3497.
SOUTHWEST 3497
That works for us. Southwest 3497.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, runway 26 Right, line up and wait. It’ll be 190 heading and maintaining 7,000.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, taxi onto Runway 26 Right and wait there. Once you're up, fly a south-southwest heading and climb to 7,000 feet.
SOUTHWEST 3497
190 heading, 7,000, line up and wait runway 26 Right. Southwest 3497.
SOUTHWEST 3497
South-southwest heading, up to 7,000 feet, and we'll pull onto Runway 26 Right and wait. Southwest 3497.
TOWER
County Mobile 8.
TOWER
Tower calling airport ground vehicle Mobile 8.
MOBILE 8
Mobile 8.
MOBILE 8
This is Mobile 8, go ahead.
TOWER
County Mobile 8, or any County Mobile on frequency. I'm just confirming here the intersection of 26 Right and the 19s are clear for use for departures.
TOWER
Mobile 8, or any airport vehicle on this frequency. I'm just trying to confirm that the intersection where these runways meet is completely clear for planes to take off.
MOBILE 7
Vegas, Mobile 7.
MOBILE 7
Vegas Tower, this is Mobile 7.
TOWER
Okay, what do you think about 26 Left?
TOWER
Okay, what do you think about the status of the other parallel runway, 26 Left?
MOBILE 7
I would stay off the 26s at the west end.
MOBILE 7
If I were you, I would stay completely off both of those runways at the west end.
TOWER
Roger. Southwest 3497, continue holding. We are just double-checking that runway, making sure it’s clear.
TOWER
Understood. Southwest 3497, stay where you are and continue holding. We are just double-checking that runway to make absolutely sure it’s clear.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Southwest 3497 will hold.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Southwest 3497 will stay put.
MOBILE 7
Tower, Mobile 7, request mission on 26 Right and 26 Left.
MOBILE 7
Tower, this is Mobile 7, requesting permission to get onto both main runways for our mission.
TOWER
Mobile 7, I think you should proceed on runway 26 Right and runway 26 Left, your discretion.
TOWER
Mobile 7, I think you should head out onto the right and left runways on the west side; I'll leave the exact route up to your best judgment.
MOBILE 7
Mobile 7.
MOBILE 7
Mobile 7, copy that.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, I got an update. There are some personnel on one of the upper levels of the Mandalay Bay, so departing might be a bit dangerous. We’ve still got a few minutes for the runway check here, and we may not be landing any more here for the next few hours. So, let me know what you want to do.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, I have an update. There are people on the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay hotel, so taking off in that direction might be dangerous. We’re still finishing a runway safety check for a few more minutes, and we might not be landing any more planes for the next few hours. Let me know what you want to do.
SOUTHWEST 3497
We’ll hold.
SOUTHWEST 3497
We’ll just stay put and wait.
MOBILE 7
Mobile 7.
MOBILE 7
Mobile 7 is standing by.
TOWER
I’m open to give it a shot.
TOWER
I’m willing to give that a shot.
MOBILE 7
Yeah, we can do that. Because of the situation, we can switch to a configuration for departures on the 7s. I’m pretty sure that there’s nobody down at that end on those runways.
MOBILE 7
Yeah, we can do that. Because of the emergency, we can switch the airport around so everyone takes off toward the east. I’m pretty sure that end of the airport is clear of any threats.
TOWER
Only problem is—okay, so we’ll just depart and we won’t land here anymore until the situation’s resolved. I got to call—I got to talk to my partners downstairs. I'll be right back with you.
TOWER
The only problem is—alright, we’ll just focus on departures and stop all landings until the situation is resolved. I have to talk to my colleagues in the radar room downstairs. I’ll be right back with you.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, departing 7 Right is an option for us if it's an option for you.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, taking off toward the east on the right-hand runway is an option if you can make that work.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Well, if you need to talk to your guys downstairs, let us know and we’ll get back to you.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Well, if you need to coordinate with your team downstairs first, just let us know and we’ll wait to hear from you.
TOWER
Okay. And that's for everyone in line as well. Allegiant 9904, Cirrus 788, Frontier 1124, JetBlue 948. We're doing our best to get you out of here.
TOWER
Understood. And that goes for everyone waiting in line, too—Allegiant 9904, Cirrus 788, Frontier 1124, and JetBlue 948. We’re doing our best to get you all out of here.
JETBLUE 948
7 Right is fine for us.
JETBLUE 948
Taking off to the east is fine for us.
FRONTIER 1124
8 Right is fine, Frontier 1124.
FRONTIER 1124
The eastbound runway on the right is fine, Frontier 1124.
TOWER
8 Right?
TOWER
You mean the runway heading east?
FRONTIER 1124
Affirmative. And with that comes a different plan.
FRONTIER 1124
That’s correct. And we’ll adjust our departure plan to match that direction.
JETBLUE 948
I'm on the other line. Who was that who asked for a minute or two—
JETBLUE 948
I was busy on another radio. Who was it that just asked for a minute or two—
JETBLUE 948
All right, sounds like you're going back to the gate. Let me know when you're ready to head in on Bravo.
JETBLUE 948
Okay, sounds like you're heading back to the terminal. Just let me know when you're ready to drive in on the side taxiway.
TOWER
Mobile 8, just confirm 26 Left is open and available. We’re going to start bringing in some aircraft, all low on fuel.
TOWER
Mobile 8, just confirm the left runway is clear and ready to use. We have to start landing some planes immediately; they're all running dangerously low on fuel.
MOBILE 8
Vegas, Mobile 8, 26 Left is clear.
MOBILE 8
Vegas Tower, this is Mobile 8, the left runway is wide open.
TOWER
Allegiant 9904, if you're ready to go back to the gate now, go ahead and taxi via Bravo. Can you handle that turn?
TOWER
Allegiant 9904, if you're set to go back to the gate now, go ahead and drive down the side path. Can your plane make that tight turn?
ALLEGIANT 9904
Roger that.
ALLEGIANT 9904
Copy that, we can.
TOWER
Southwest 3497, can you move?
TOWER
Southwest 3497, are you able to get moving?
SOUTHWEST 3497
Oh, certainly. We're on the runway in the transition hole.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Oh, absolutely. We’re sitting right here on the runway in the middle of the transition area.
TOWER
Okay, what I want you to do is taxi forward and then make a left at Alpha 2, 180 short of runway 26 Right at Alpha 2.
TOWER
Okay, I need you to pull forward and then take a left at the second Alpha exit. Then do a full U-turn and stop just before you reach the right-hand runway.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Okay, got it. Left turn Alpha 2 and a 180, hold short 26 Right. Southwest 3497.
SOUTHWEST 3497
Understood. Left turn at the second Alpha exit, do a U-turn, and stop before the right runway. Southwest 3497.
TOWER
Allegiant 9904, access the runway and taxi down that runway. Contact Ground 121.1, they’ll get you back to the gate.
TOWER
Allegiant 9904, pull onto the runway and drive straight down it. Switch over to the ground controllers; they’ll guide you the rest of the way to the gate.
TOWER
And for all departures, what we're going to do is all the aircraft that are low on fuel, we're going to bring them in. That's going to take 5, 10, 15 minutes. If you want to go ahead and shut them down if they’re not already done so, might be a good idea to save some gas. Then we're going to switch to a configuration that gets us off 7 Right.
TOWER
To everyone waiting to take off: we have several planes running out of fuel that we need to land first. This is going to take 10 or 15 minutes. It might be a good idea to shut down your engines to save your own gas if you haven't already. Then we’ll switch things around to get you moving on the eastbound runway.
MOBILE 7
Vegas, Mobile 7, we can use 7 Left.
MOBILE 7
Vegas Tower, this is Mobile 7, the other eastbound runway is also available to use.
TOWER
Understood.
TOWER
Got it, thanks.
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