Passengers welcomed to new terminal in true Las Vegas fashion
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- Passengers arriving at the brand new Terminal 3 at McCarran Airport were greeted in true Las Vegas fashion on Wednesday, showgirls and all.
The fanfare marked the opening of a $2.4 billion terminal that will handle overseas and domestic flights at McCarran International Airport.
First-day flights came from London, Germany, Amsterdam and Panama City.
The inaugural flight's passengers were greeted by Vegas showgirls, champagne and impersonators.
Local officials and airline executives talked about how the new terminal is a sign of optimism in the future of Las Vegas' tourism industry.
Sixteen international carriers are set to use seven of 14 new gates at McCarran's new Terminal 3. Seven gates will handle U.S. flights.
Airport officials say T3 will help spread the flow of the 114,000 travelers who pass through the airport daily.
But they say travelers will have to get used to checking which terminal their flights are using.
The new "E Gates" have self-serve check-in kiosks, streamlined security and automated baggage-handling.
The terminal also has an eight-story parking structure.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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