The Day the Skies Stood Still: Las Vegas Airport Chief Recalls Her Harrowing 9/11 Ordeal

For Rosemary Vassiliadis, Clark County’s top airport official and CEO of the Department of Aviation, September 11, 2001, remains an indelible scar – a day etched into her memory as profoundly as any other. It was, she unequivocally states, “one of my worst days on the job,” a sentiment shared by countless others in aviation, yet uniquely personal for her as she stood at the epicenter of a global crisis unfolding at McCarran International Airport, now Harry Reid International.

The morning of 9/11 found Vassiliadis, then Deputy Director of Aviation, airborne.

She was on a flight returning to Las Vegas from Boston, a chilling coincidence given that the very aircraft used in the attacks had departed from Logan International Airport just a day prior. Her journey took an abrupt turn over the Midwest when the pilot announced an emergency landing. Diverted to Des Moines, Iowa, she, like millions, was plunged into a surreal nightmare, disconnected from her loved ones and the unfolding tragedy.

Her immediate instinct was not self-preservation, but duty.

Cut off from communication and her team in Las Vegas, a profound sense of helplessness gnawed at her. She vividly recalls the frantic attempts to reach her colleagues and family, the agonizing wait, and the overwhelming desire to be back at McCarran, guiding her airport through the unprecedented chaos.

Her family, equally desperate, spent agonizing hours trying to contact her, unaware of her whereabouts or safety.

Upon finally making it back to Las Vegas days later, the scene at McCarran was one of controlled pandemonium. Flights were grounded indefinitely, thousands of bewildered passengers were stranded, and the airport, a bustling hub just days before, felt eerily silent yet charged with unspoken fear.

The enormity of the situation, the unprecedented security threats, and the sheer volume of logistical challenges were staggering. It was a moment that demanded unwavering leadership and a calm demeanor amidst the storm.

Vassiliadis, alongside then-Director Randy Walker and her dedicated team, faced a daunting task: securing an entire airport, reassuring a frightened workforce, and providing care for a multitude of stranded travelers.

She likened the feeling to wearing a uniform – a profound sense of responsibility to those under her charge. Every decision was critical, every action weighed heavily, knowing that the safety and well-being of thousands rested on their shoulders. It was a moment where the human element of leadership was pushed to its absolute limits, demanding not just logistical prowess but profound empathy.

The days that followed were a blur of round-the-clock operations, ensuring passengers had food, water, and shelter, and that staff felt supported in their critical roles.

The lasting impact of 9/11 reshaped the entire landscape of air travel, ushering in an era of heightened security measures that are still in place today. For Vassiliadis, that day solidified her understanding of true leadership and the resilience required to navigate unforeseen catastrophes.

Even decades later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid and poignant.

It's a constant reminder of the fragility of peace, the strength of the human spirit, and the enduring commitment of those in critical roles who, when faced with unimaginable challenges, rise to protect and serve. Her account serves as a powerful testament to the leadership, sacrifice, and the deeply personal toll of a day that forever altered the world.